We Sailed It Our Way

This story is about two people, born into the uncertainties of the 1939–1945 War, who fell in love with each other and with sailing and who, encouraged by the example of other seafarers, completed over a period of 50 years a circumnavigation of the world’s favourite sailing destinations albeit missing out the long blue bits.The book contains anecdotes as well as practical advice ensuring it is a must-read for boat lovers as well as those yet to find their sea legs. There is seamanship on every page. It will have a special appeal for those contemplating sailing in distant waters who wish to compare cruising grounds.As well as covering sailing and seamanship, it is a travelogue in its own right, reflecting the history and culture met along the way.

Born in 1939, Neil McBroom was educated at King Edwards School, Birmingham, where his sailing interest was founded. He met Valerie McBroom at College in London where he read Metallurgy and Valerie Mathematics. They married in 1966. By this time, Neil had attended Outward Bound and was invited back as Instructor. This led to berths as a Watch Officer on the “Sir Winston Churchill” and “Malcolm Miller”. Their Odyssey began with UK charters and moved on to flotilla holidays and far flung bare boat charters. Both had published papers so the confidence existed to write about their experiences. Their sailing legacy has been passed to their two daughters and four grandchildren.