Round the Horn before the mast

In the summer of 1899 a restless adventurer steps off the shores of San Francisco, fresh from the wilds of the Klondike, and decides to trade mining claims for the pull of the wind. He signs on as a fore‑mast hand aboard the four‑mast barque Royalshire, a gleaming iron windjammer fresh from Glasgow, eager to experience the raw life of a sailor before the mast. The narrative opens with his careful scouting of the dockside fleet, weighing the reputation of crews, the ship’s feeding schedule, and even the temperament of the captain.

The Royalshire promises a hard but honest voyage around Cape Horn, with towering yards and a generous sail plan that will test his stamina and resolve. As he prepares for the long haul, he reflects on the camaraderie of sea‑men, the rough meals, and the relentless work that will shape his character. Listeners are invited into the early days of this grain‑laden passage, feeling the salty air and the anticipation of a true seafaring adventure.