Black Feathers: A Pocket Racer Sails the Singlehanded TransPac

June 14, 2010

With the start of the 2010 Singlehanded TransPac only five days away, we bring you a review of the book which came out of the 2008 SHTP.

Black Feathers, by Robert and Jeanne Crawford, is really two short stories and a text on the advantages and disadvantages of small boat ownership and the anatomy of a Cal 20. I believe Robert’s intention was to create a primer on preparing for a TransPac in a small boat. He also succeeded in creating an easy to understand manual that would make an ideal text for a relatively new sailor. His use of bullet points and lots of photos make the systems of a small boat easy to grasp.

Robert's account of his adventure was hard to put down. His economy of words is used to paint a very vivid description of his journey and his trials. When he described how he “lazed in the cockpit, gazing at stars,” toward the beginning of his trip, I felt that I was there. I could feel the motion, see the stars and experience the peace of the present moment. I could also feel his masterful clarity when his rudder separated in half 690 miles from Kauai. There is a powerful lesson here on what results when you focus on thoughts of success vs. focusing on the problems themselves. An important lesson that earns Black Feathers a place on the self-help shelf in addition to the sports shelf. Robert is to be commended for a complete lack of fear when it comes to being honest with his feelings.

Did I mention it was also a love story? Yes, it is also a love story. Jeanne is also fearless in describing her emotions and holds nothing back. I read her story in one day with my mouth open! I marveled at what she took on as events coordinator for the 2008 TransPac. Robert and Jeanne’s story is tender. Their love story is the thread that holds the book together. I give Black Feathers five stars!

- Julie Lucchesi

If you have a loved one sailing in the 2010 SHTP or the Pacific Cup, this would be the perfect book to read while the racers are at sea. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

Black Feathers: A Pocket Racer Sails the Singlehanded TransPac, by Robert and Jeanne Crawford, was published this January by iUniverse, Inc., and can be found at Barnes & Noble and on Amazon.com. - ed.