People of the Sea (PB)

Discover the fascinating journey of the People of the Sea, a captivating account by James Wharram that unveils the rich maritime culture of the South Pacific islands. This illustrative paperback, measuring 156 x 216 mm and spanning 272 pages, weaves together a tapestry of history, adventure, and innovation. Wharram, an acclaimed figure in the world of boat design, dedicated his life to showcasing the elegance and functionality of Polynesian double canoes. In this remarkable book, he shares his experiences sailing in the breathtaking 63ft Spirit of Gaia, a vessel that symbolizes the spirit of exploration and connection across the oceans. With a passion ignited by the legendary Kon Tiki voyage and a quest to challenge historical narratives, Wharram's work stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Polynesian navigators. Readers will be inspired by the stories of modern sailors who embrace traditional crafts, using James Wharram designs to navigate the world's seas and rivers. Immerse yourself in a narrative that emphasizes the ocean not as a barrier, but as a vibrant highway linking cultures, adventures, and aspirations. The People of the Sea is essential reading for avid sailors, adventurers, and those captivated by cultural history. Join Wharram in his exploration of ancient wisdom and contemporary sailing practices that honor the heritage of the sea.

Author: James Wharram Publisher: Lodestar Books
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 156 x 216 mm
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 10-10-2021

Long before Western man ‘discovered’ them, the People of the Sea, as many inhabitants of the South Pacific islands called themselves, had a vibrant, socially sophisticated culture in which travel on water played an essential part. For sixty-five years James Wharram has designed, built, and sailed craft of Polynesian double canoe form, demonstrating that the sea, far from being a barrier between the islands, is their highway. The ocean voyages of James and his team culminated in their circumnavigation in the stunning 63ft Spirit of Gaia, during which they explored the lands and cultures of their vessel’s spiritual home — the Polynesian islands. Inspired by the lifetime of creativity and discovery James describes in this book, many modern People of the Sea are sailing the world’s oceans, seas, coasts and rivers in craft they have built for themselves to James Wharram designs. JAMES WHARRAM’s life was changed forever when, in his early twenties, he saw Thor Heyerdahl’s film of the Kon Tiki voyage, and in Manchester Central Library encountered a book on Polynesian double canoe sailing craft. He determined to disprove Heyerdahl’s assertion that Polynesia could have been settled only from South America, and not from south-east Asia, which would require craft more sophisticated than a balsa raft. He has dedicated his working life to demonstrating the seaworthiness, windward ability and practicality of the Polynesian double canoe form, and has probably sailed more sea miles in craft of this pattern — all to his own design - than any other person.