Accompanied by Miki, a beautiful young Japanese girl eager to escape an arranged marriage and her country's rigorous social restrictions, they navigated the giant whirlpools of Japan's Inland Sea, joined in a torch-lit midnight festival at Kompira San, traversed volcanic coastlines, and threaded narrow channels among scenic islands strewn with temples and lashed by typhoons. Their route took them to Japan's Southern Archipelago, the Taiwan Straits, Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines, and Micronesia. They discovered the remnants of an ancient South Sea Island culture verging on extinction, explored the daunting ruins of megalithic Nan Madol, endured violent storms, and witnessed a deadly crocodile attack before finally reaching their destination.
Armchair cruisers and serious sailors alike will benefit from Batham's practical tips even as they thrill at her frank, gripping account of dangers and navigational challenges overcome.