Joshua Slocum | Themes

Joshua Slocum Themes

Weather Conditions

Even though Slocum was a seasoned sailor, there were many things to consider along the way, such as unpredictable weather. Slocum details many instances in which the Spray had to weather through violent gales and turbulent waters. The weather often predicated a change of course although Slocum was able to maintain the majority of his route.

On November 28, the Spray left Rio de Janeiro and immediately ran into a gale of wind so violent that it tore up the coast.

The Spray sailed from Buenos Aires on January 26, 1896. The wind turned from a mere gust to a dangerous gale and the sea turned to mud. Slocum discusses how the Plate is a treacherous place during a storm. Slocum weighed anchor not far off the coast and waited out the storm until the next morning. Not long after, the Spray was submerged by a massive wave.

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