Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 750, May 11, 1878

A lively diary unfolds as Mrs Brassey records her year‑long circumnavigation aboard the elegant yacht Sunbeam. Together with her husband, their children and a small circle of friends, she sails the globe in a vessel that blends classic sail power with a discreet steam engine, offering a surprisingly comfortable home at sea—complete with a library, fine cuisine and even baths. The narrative captures the excitement of preparation, the anticipation of departure, and the first taste of adventure as the crew navigates the Atlantic’s moods.

The journey quickly moves from the tranquil harbors of Madeira to the dramatic cliffs of the Canary Islands, where the family climbs Tenerife’s towering peak and sketches the volcanic landscape. Their arrival in Rio de Janeiro opens a kaleidoscope of South‑American color: hummingbirds dart among blossoms, citrus groves perfume the air, and the expansive Pampas stretch beneath a sky full of promise. Through vivid observations and gentle humor, the diary invites listeners to share in the wonder of early travel, the charm of yachting life, and the sheer joy of discovering new horizons.