Incredible Voyage

Guirec Soudée’s epic sailing journey with his pet hen, Monique, has buoyed people’s spirits the world over, and Guirec is often invited to speak and give interviews about what he learned along the way. He lives in Brittany, France. IG: @guirecsoudeeadventureMonique is a copper-colored hen who enjoys sliding on ice and watching flying fish. Based in Brittany, Monique remains the only hen in the world who knows how to sail.

“Soudée’s deeply adventurous spirit finds a home at sea. From Arctic pack ice to the Roaring Forties, this young man and his chicken show the world what’s possible with a little boat and a big dream.”—Caroline Van Hemert, author of The Sun is a Compass“Guirec Soudée’s page-turning tale of his round-the-world ocean adventure is a delight. Setting off with no solo sailing experience whatsoever, he learns by doing—crossing the Atlantic, overwintering alone in Greenland’s profound pack ice, then sailing the length of the Pacific to survive raging storms and rogue icebergs in Antarctica. Add Monique, his unlikely but charming feathered first mate, and you’re reminded that our dreams are in fact possible if we dare to risk following them.”—Kim Brown Seely, author of Uncharted“If madcap single-handed sailing (with a chicken) is your thing, then you'll love the hair-raising adventures of Guirec Soudée.”—John Krestchmer, author of Sailing to the Edge of Time and Flirting with Mermaids“Don't mistake Guirec Soudee's youthful adventures for just another sailing book—this is a coming-of-age story for our times. Guirec writes with an inspiring mix of humility and wonder as he and Monique complete an epic voyage that takes them to extreme latitudes, propelled by a wellspring of courage—and revealing a humanity that fills you with joy. An incredible book.”—John Krestchmer, author of Sailing to the Edge of Time and Flirting with Mermaids“Guirec’s thirst for adventure is infectious, yet this intrepid Breton remains humble despite his extraordinary achievements, writing with both humor and good grace. A clucking good read!”—Emma Bamford, author of Casting Off and Untie the Lines“Funny, charming and endearing, this gem of a book immerses you into the world of a true adventurer. A classic high-seas yarn that you never want to end..”—Frank Wolf, adventurer and author of Lines on a Map“I greatly enjoyed reading this. It overflows with the author's good humor and his ability to always come up smiling, whatever the oceans of the world throw at him. For a novice to achieve a voyage like this is truly remarkable.”—Paul Heiney, broadcaster and author of One Wild Song: A Voyage in a Lost Son's Wake

• Where It All BeganPART 1Our Atlantic CrossingPART 2Hibernating in the IcePART 3The Northwest PassagePART 4From Alaska to Canada, and BeyondPART 5How Far South Can We Go?PART 6The Long Journey HomeAcknowledgmentsGlossaryPartners