Sailing Alone Around the World · Chapter
XVII explained
Captain Slocum arrives at Mauritius, where he is given a clean bill of health and enjoys the hospitality of the island.
What happens
Captain Slocum arrives at Mauritius, where he is given a clean bill of health and enjoys the hospitality of the island. He gives a talk at the opera-house, meets various officials, and has the Spray refitted. He then sails to Reunion and Madagascar, enduring gales in the Mozambique Channel before arriving at Port Natal (Durban), South Africa. In Durban, he is warmly received, meets Henry M. Stanley, and sails on the yacht Florence with the premier, Mr. Escombe.
Themes in this chapter
Hospitality and Human Connection
Captain Slocum receives generous hospitality in Mauritius and Durban, including the use of the military dock and invitations to sail with local dignitaries.
Resilience and Perseverance
The Spray endures gales in the Mozambique Channel, and Captain Slocum continues his voyage despite the challenges.
Characters to notice
- Captain Joshua Slocum
Arrives at Mauritius, gives a talk at the opera-house, and sails to Durban, South Africa.
- Spray
Refitted at Mauritius and sails through gales to Port Natal.
- Mamode Hajee Ayoob
Day-watchman on board the Spray at Mauritius, frightened by an empty box.
- Mr. Stanley
The famous explorer meets Captain Slocum in Durban and questions him about the Spray.
- Mr. Escombe
Premier of Natal, sails with Captain Slocum on the yacht Florence and offers to sail the Spray around the Cape.
Key passages
“The voyage was the event of Port Louis; such a thing as young ladies sailing about the harbor, even, was almost unheard of before.”
The Spray's visit was a major event in Port Louis, as it was rare for young women to go sailing in the harbor.
Highlights the novelty and social impact of the Spray's arrival.
“I heard a man who called himself a sailor say that 'it would require three men to do what it was claimed' that I did alone, and what I found perfectly easy to do over and over again”
A self-proclaimed sailor doubted that one man could handle the Spray alone, but Slocum found the tasks easy.
Addresses skepticism about Slocum's solo sailing abilities.
“He looked me over carefully, and said, 'What an example of patience!'”
Mr. Stanley remarked that Slocum's voyage was an example of patience.
Shows Stanley's admiration for Slocum's perseverance.