One of the most remarkable feats of endurance by a lone sailor was that of Serge Testa, who circumnavigated the globe in an aluminium sloop, measuring just under 13' 8" L.O.A.. He designed and built this ocean-crossing micro-cruiser.

His book, '500 Days around the World on a 12 foot Yacht', contains excerpts from the ship's log and gives a graphic account of the voyage. He had many adventures, including encounters with whales, cyclones, and a fire aboard! The book reveals his fears and aspirations, realistically portraying the difficulties of the undertaking. He tells of high and low points and how he coped with many challenging situations. There were groundings, sleep deprivation, lack of food and physical discomfort. He faced a continuous battle with the salt water environment. This struggle for survival in cramped conditions, being constantly on the move by the ocean's motion, badly affected his health. There were times when he thought he would never achieve his ambition of sailing around the world in the smallest boat.

If you've ever thought of undertaking an ocean voyage in a small boat, or large one for that matter, I'd advise you read this book first; you could well have second thoughts!

Book Details:

'500 Days, Around the World on a 12 foot Yacht', by Serge Testa, published by Trident Press, 101 Pie Street, Aspley. Qld 4034, Australia. ISBN No: 0 7316 4849 8, published in 1988.

New Pictures

When I was in Brisbane on 15th August I took these photos of 'Acrohc Australis'.

Historic Photos

A friend of mine took these photos on the day after Acrohc's arrival in Brisbane at the end of her circumnavigation.