Judith Binder – författare

Around the World in a Homemade Boat with Kids

Our lifestyle has given us freedom of spirit, a feeling of accomplishment, and independence

This book is not a travel guide, nor is it only a tale of sailing the world''s oceans and meeting fascinating people in faraway lands. It''s a book about how life can be an adventure.

We are a family afloat, exploring Earth, searching the wild kingdom for her knowledge and beauty. At times, this can be dangerous. But no more dangerous than travelling the highways of the time when the narrowest of white lines keeps death at bay. Less so, for in our lives, we are in command.

To Africa for a safari in the last wild kingdom, to the Galapagos for a wander through the intricacies of nature, then Rapa Nui to witness the results of over-population, sailing every ocean contemplating life and eternity and the marvellous creation, accompanied by sea fairies whispering their ageless secrets. 

Before setting off to circumnavigate the world, the Four J''s - Jack, Judith, Jason, and Jerome, had already lived afloat for ten years, learning our trade while experiencing life with a heap of diverse societies. As our boys grew into strong young men, we found that children bond the world''s people, whatever their race, colour, or religious beliefs. Wherever we dropped our anchor, being the new family in the neighbourhood, we hosted lunches, dinners, and sleepovers aboard our floating home, and in return, got invited into their homes and taken to local events.

It was only after we''d sailed our homemade boat the equivalent of three times around the world that we set off for one last fling, like Slocum and Chichester. At the peak of our physical strength and sailing prowess, we took our sons around the world. These voyages of education took the children to their final years of high school.

Zoom ahead thirty years and we have become a clan with little ones needing nourishment. So, Poppi and Nani have added their sons'' journals to stories they wrote upon the waves round the world. Adding historical notes, and keeping the scary bits real, created a most amazing coming of age saga. 

Inspirational nourishment for young minds - and those who love life and Earth.