Octogenarian Anthony Smith's journey was originally inspired by both the
Kontiki Expedition of Thor Heyerdahl (who he knew) and the incredible
story of the survivors of a 1940 boat disaster, who spent 70 days adrift
in the Atlantic, eventually reaching land emaciated and close to death.
While this might sound like a voyage no-one would wish to emulate, to
octogenarian Anthony Smith it sounded like an adventure, and he placed a
typically straightforward advertisement in the Telegraph that read Fancy
rafting across the Atlantic? Famous traveller requires 3 crew. Must be
OAP. Serious adventurers only.
In his inimitable style, Smith details their voyage and the hardships
they endured with a matter-of-fact air that makes his story seem all the
more impressive. His advanced age allows him a wider perspective not
only on the journey but on life itself, and his never-say-die attitude
to the difficulty of the journey is inspirational.
'Old men ought to be explorers' said T.S. Eliot, and this book certainly
gives a compelling argument in his favour. It is both a great story (a
huge storm on the final night of the voyage almost wrecked them on a
reef) and a call to action for the older generation - do not go quietly,
says Anthony Smith, but seek out adventure as long as you are able.
