The cruise of the Nona : The story of a cruise from Holyhead to the Wash, with reflections and judgments on life and letters, men and manners

The narrator sets out aboard the modest sailboat Nona, leaving the bustling port of Holyhead for the quiet marshes of the Wash. The early chapters follow the rhythm of tides and wind, turning each mile into a canvas for observations about weather, sea life, and the simple pleasure of being on deck. Along the way the writer interleaves personal letters and reflections, offering a conversational tone that feels both intimate and inviting.

The book soon broadens into a series of witty digressions: a playful debate over a newborn’s name, a heartfelt dedication to a lost companion, and vivid sketches of towns the crew skirts—Bayonne’s bayonet, Roncesvalles’ historic pass, and Pamplona’s festival spirit. These anecdotes mingle with gentle judgments on manners, literature, and the quirks of ordinary people, all delivered with a light, slightly self‑deprecating humor.

Listeners will find a pleasant blend of travelogue and philosophical musing, as the author steers the Nona through both water and memory. The narrative invites you to linger on small details, turning a simple cruise into a meditation on how journeys shape our view of life.