Salt Water: The Sea Life and Adventures of Neil D'Arcy the Midshipman

From his first breath the sea was more than a backdrop—it was a constant companion. Orphaned early, the young Neil finds solace and guidance in Larry Harrigan, the one‑armed but indomitable butler who teaches him the art of knots, rigging, and rowing long before he ever sets foot on a naval deck. Their indoor lessons turn a simple model ship into a masterclass, while outings on the bay give Neil the confidence to swim, sail, and survive the water’s caprice. The blend of hard‑won skill and the lingering memory of his mother’s prayers shapes a boy who feels the ocean is his true home.

Now poised to join the Royal Navy as a midshipman, Neil carries his mentor’s teachings into the wider world of ship‑board life. The narrative follows his first months of training, the camaraderie of fellow sailors, and the awe of witnessing vast horizons for the first time. Listeners will be drawn into the sights, sounds, and relentless rhythm of a life at sea, feeling the promise of adventure that lies just beyond the horizon.