Introduction

This chapter, titled "We're Not Afraid To Die...If We Can All Be Together," highlights the strength and courage that come from unity. It narrates the true story of a family who embarks on a challenging round-the-world voyage, inspired by the famous explorer Captain James Cook. The story emphasizes that when people stand together, they can face any danger successfully.

Key Elements

• Theme: Unity and courage in the face of adversity.
• Setting: The voyage begins from Plymouth, England, and covers dangerous seas around the world.
• Characters: The narrator, his wife Mary, their children Jonathan and Suzanne, and two crewmen, Larry and Herb.

Summary

The family’s dream of sailing around the world is realized after years of preparation. Their journey is filled with challenges, especially when they face severe storms in the Southern Indian Ocean. Despite the dangers, their unity and determination help them survive the ordeal.

Practice Set

• Level 1: What is the main message of the chapter?
• Level 2: Describe the family’s preparation before starting their voyage.
• Level 3: How does the theme of unity help the family survive the storm?

Answer Key

• The main message is that togetherness gives strength to face any danger.
• The family spent sixteen years honing their sea-faring skills in British waters before starting the voyage.
• The family’s unity and mutual support help them stay hopeful and survive the dangerous storm.

Quick Reference

• Unity is the central theme.
• The voyage is inspired by Captain James Cook.
• The family faces a severe storm but survives through courage and teamwork.

Glossary

• Voyage: A long journey involving travel by sea.
• Storm Jib: A small sail used in stormy weather to control the boat.
• May Day Calls: Emergency distress signals sent by radio.

Summary

Dream Came True

The narrator, a 37-year-old businessman, along with his wife Mary and their children Jonathan (6) and Suzanne (7), had long dreamed of sailing around the world following the path of Captain James Cook. For sixteen years, they prepared by practicing sailing in British waters. Finally, they set sail from Plymouth, England, to duplicate Cook’s famous voyage.

First Leg Covered

The first part of their journey covered 105,000 kilometers over three years, moving from the west coast of Africa to Cape Town. They took two crewmen, Larry Vigil from America and Herb Seigler from Switzerland, to help navigate the rough Southern Indian Ocean.

Change in Weather

After leaving Cape Town, the family faced strong gales and waves up to 15 meters high. Despite the dangerous weather, they celebrated Christmas and New Year’s Day, though the weather worsened.

Got Prepared for the Disaster

On January 2, the waves became enormous. The crew dropped the storm jib to slow the boat, secured everything tightly, practiced life raft drills, and wore oilskins and life jackets, preparing for the worst.

The Worst Came

At about 6:00 pm, a huge wave struck the ship with a thunderous roar, shaking the deck violently. The narrator was injured when his head hit the wheel and began losing consciousness, accepting the possibility of death.

Sailors’ Struggle

The narrator regained consciousness in the water, witnessing the ship capsizing and being tossed by waves. Despite cracked ribs and injuries, he held on to the wheel, determined not to abandon his post.

Fear of Sinking

Mary appeared through the front hatch, crying as they struggled to stay afloat. Larry and Herb pumped water tirelessly. The narrator checked on the children, who were safe though Sue had a bump. They patched holes with canvas and used hand pumps as the electric pump failed. Their distress calls went unanswered.

Search for an Island

By January 3, they controlled the water level but the boat was badly damaged. The narrator found two small islands nearby, including Ile Amsterdam. After 36 hours of pumping, they headed towards the island, but the weather worsened again by January 5.

Hoping for Relief

The narrator comforted the children, assuring them they would survive. Jonathan expressed that he was not afraid to die if they were together. The narrator reinforced the hull with ropes and barrels to protect it.

Wavewalker Riding Out the Storm

By January 6, the storm subsided. The narrator tried to locate the island using a sextant. Sue cheered him up with a card expressing her love, lifting his spirits.

A Ray of Hope

The narrator set a course towards the island using a spare compass. He rested below deck, hopeful but anxious about reaching the island.

Narrator Cheered Up by Children

Jonathan hugged the narrator, calling him the best father and captain. Sue added that he was the best because he had found the island, which was now visible.

Achieved the Goal ‘Ile Amsterdam’

They landed on Ile Amsterdam, a bleak volcanic island with few inhabitants who warmly welcomed them. The narrator felt relief and joy at reaching land safely.

Narrator Thinking About Crewmen

The narrator reflected on the courage of his crewmen Larry and Herb, his wife Mary’s hopefulness, and the bravery of his children, especially Jonathan’s fearlessness and Sue’s resilience despite injury.

Practice Set

• Level 1: Who were the members of the family that went on the voyage?
• Level 2: Describe the challenges faced by the family during the storm.
• Level 3: Analyze how the narrator’s leadership helped the family survive the ordeal.

Answer Key

• The family consisted of the narrator, his wife Mary, son Jonathan, daughter Suzanne, and two crewmen Larry and Herb.
• They faced huge waves up to 15 meters, the ship capsizing, injuries, water flooding the boat, and failed pumps.
• The narrator’s calmness, decision-making, and care for his family and crew helped them stay alive and reach safety.

Quick Reference

• Voyage inspired by Captain James Cook.
• Severe storm in Southern Indian Ocean.
• Survival through teamwork and leadership.

Glossary

• Storm Jib: A small sail used in stormy weather.
• Life Raft Drill: Practice for emergency evacuation.
• Sextant: A tool used to measure angles for navigation.