The Voyage of The Aegre is a dramatic true account of how a plan to sail a little fishing boat from the Highlands of Scotland down the coast to England turned into a trans-oceanic odyssey for Nick and Julie Grainger. It was the 1970s and their simple wooden boat was equipped with none of the aids modern yachts enjoy. Navigation was by sextant and compass, food cooked on a Primus, and weather forecasting by guesswork. Diligent preparation before they set sail eventually saved their lives in the violent storms and dangers they encountered, vividly described in this absorbing narrative. Their capsize at night in a fierce storm south of Tahiti and subsequent survival makes a gripping climax to the story. A born storyteller, the author has produced a stirring tale that ranks among classic sea adventures.
From a simpler age of sailing when you were led across oceans by the sun and the stars, this book deserves to join the classics. It is simply a top class read - Paul Heiney, Royal Cruising Club.
The owner of any small boat who plans to sail, one day, beyond the far horizon, must wonder what they would do if the GPS fails and they don't have a sextant, or a mast. The answer lies in the story of the Voyage of The Aegre. A terrific adventure - John Ridgway, 1966 North Atlantic rower, Round the World sailor, Adventurer, Author.
One of the greatest sailing stories I have ever read - John Quirk, Afloat magazine.
The Voyage of The Aegre is a story of courage and adventure we rarely see equalled. Every page takes us deeply into the nitty-gritty of the whole venture, including the self-doubt and interpersonal challenges. As I devoured the work, I remembered my own youth and the hope, strength and sheer energy that kept me going in the hard times. Yet all my experience pales when compared with what happened to them 150 miles out from Tahiti. Their boat is capsized, swept clean and could easily have been left derelict. With no radio or life raft, survival depends on resources, initiative and the refusal to give in. Tom Cunliffe, Yachting World.
An extraordinary story of experience, drama and skill. Tristan Gooley. Sept. 2023 www.naturalnavigator.com
Completely transfixed by this new book, the story of an almost inconceivable sea journey from Scotland to the South Seas by Nick Grainger and his then-wife Julie aboard a tiny 'Shetland Model', 50 years ago. The Aegre was built in Wick by Tom Edwardson of Unst, and decked in by Bob Macinnes of Scourie. A capsize off Tahiti ended an extraordinary voyage. But the Aegre saw them safely ashore in Samoa. I highly recommend it if, like me, you've been addicted to sea survival stories since childhood. Tom Morton, 60 North Radio, Lerwick, Shetland
Not only is this a compelling story, but Nick tells it with a relaxed, chatty style. The jacket tells us he's a 'born storyteller'; he's had 50 years to hone this particular one and it shows. There's no doubt in my mind that this book will quickly join the library of classic survival stories, alongside tomes such as Survive the Savage Sea, by Dougal Robertson and 117 Days Adrift by Maurice and Maralyn Bailey. Nic Compton, Wooden Boat magazine.
Once started, hard to put down, will make a truly excellent gift for the sailor in the house. Highly recommended. John Macfarlane, Boating New Zealand magazine.
