FEELING THE TILT OF THE WORLD.

Robin Lee Graham the 16 year old who set sail around the world in 1965, a short 🧵

From California Robin was always drawn to the sea learning a lot about sailing from his father. At 15, he and a few classmates attempted to sail by themselves to Hawaii in a small sailing dingy it almost ended in tragedy after being caught in rough seas. They failed their journey

Robin knew he would make another attempt at adventure and was eager to do it. His father also realized that Robin couldn't be stopped and helped his son buy and prepare a a 24-foot sloop. DOVE. His mother did not approve of this and even sought out lawyers to prevent it.

At the age of 16 Robin set sail around the world the youngest to attempt a solo trip. His father writes: "...I feel like Lee has sailed out of my life. I have lost his boyhood companionship. When I see him again he will be a man...".

Robin brought with him provisions of canned food, books including school books which he barely touched, pens and old clothes to barter with islanders and 2 cats, Juliette and Suzette, named after 2 tahitian girls who were offered to Robin's parents as a trade for him 3 years ago

One of the biggest hardships Robin faced during his journey was loneliness. However, he also met a girl, Patti. She and him would quickly hit it off and eventually get married first unofficially and then legally despite a lot of disapproval including Robin's father.

Patti would not accompany Robin while he was sailing the world, it was important that he do the trip alone. They would meet at different stops and reunite after weeks of no communication. Patti understood this is what he had to do and even encouraged it when he wanted to give up.

Robin focused a lot on navigation and logging everything with a log book as well as a tape recorder all of which would come in handy for his book and for interviews with national geographic who followed his story throughout the entire journey.

After spending 5 years and traveling 33,000 miles Robin completed his journey. Having long periods of loneliness and moments of danger, excitement and happiness. Caught in doldrums and daydreams meeting the world experiencing all walks of life it was finally over.

Robin and Patti decided to build a cabin in rural Montana after having a daughter and wanting her to grow up appreciating nature. They became increasingly displeased with the modern world. The waste, the pollution and the overall disregard for the earth.

One of the most interesting parts in the book Dove is how Robin has very specific moments on his journey that slowly change him from a pagan to a Christian. If you're interested in thr specifics I highly recommend the read it's very short.