# XVII explained — Sailing Alone Around the World

> Chapter companion for Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se/chapters