Captain Joshua Slocum

Sailing Alone Around the World

The protagonist and narrator, whose solo voyage around the world is the central focus of the chapter.

Chapter I: The Rebuilding of the Spray

The narrator and protagonist, who decides to rebuild the Spray and undertake a world voyage.

II

Decides on a voyage around the world and departs Boston.

Goodbye to the American Coast

Departs from Yarmouth, experiences loneliness and uses singing to cope. He interacts with the man in the moon and meets the captain of La Vaguisa.

IV

Suffers from cramps and delirium after eating plums and cheese, but recovers to enjoy a hearty meal and continue his voyage.

V

Navigates the Spray through pirate threats and storms, reflecting on solitude and the voyage.

Chapter VI

Works to refloat the Spray, trades with locals, sails to Montevideo and Buenos Aires, and reflects on the changes in the city.

VII

Sails the Spray through the River Plate and the Strait of Magellan, facing storms and making resolutions for the future.

VIII

Faces the storm, navigates through dangerous waters, and reflects on his experiences.

Repairing the Spray's Sails

Repairs sails, defends against savages, salvages tallow.

Chapter X: Juan Fernandez and the Fuegian Arrow

Slocum reflects on the voyage, harpoons a shark, and skillfully handles the Spray through dangerous conditions.

Chapter XI: The Voyage Through the Trade-Winds and the Marquesas

Navigates alone, using intuition and celestial observations, and reflects on solitude and self-reliance.

Seventy-two Days Without a Port

The captain narrates his solitary journey, his diet, and his interactions with people in Samoa. He is thrilled to meet Mrs. Stevenson and receives her husband's sailing directories.

Chapter XIII: Australia and Tasmania

Captain Slocum explores the shores of Tasmania, prospects for gold, and exhibits a shark to pay port charges. He decides to sail via the Great Barrier Reef due to unfavorable winds and ice.

XIV

Receives a five-pound note from an anonymous lady, delivers his first lecture in Tasmania, and navigates the Spray through the Coral Sea.

Chapter XV: The Arafura Sea and the Voyage to Keeling Cocos

Navigates the Spray across the Arafura Sea, reflects on past voyages, participates in the jubilee at Thursday Island, and helps raise funds for miners at Cooktown.

Chapter XVI: Rodriguez and the Keeling Cocos

Navigates to Rodriguez and Keeling Cocos, interacts with locals, and nearly loses his life in a boating accident.

XVII

Arrives at Mauritius, gives a talk at the opera-house, and sails to Durban, South Africa.

XVIII

The captain and narrator, who reflects on the voyage, reads Stevenson, and navigates the Spray.

XIX

Delivers lectures, stays at Plantation House, visits Longwood, and continues voyage to Ascension Island.

Chapter XX

Reflects on the wind and prayer, experiences a terrifying false alarm of a reef, and visits several Caribbean islands.

XXI: Clearing for Home

Reflects on the voyage's end, repairs the rigging, navigates the mined harbor, and feels rejuvenated, claiming to be ten years younger.

Appendix

The author provides technical insights and personal reflections on sailing the Spray.

Endnotes

Mentioned as the owner of the Spray, which arrived at Keeling Cocos Islands.

List of Illustrations

The captain of the Spray, whose voyage is documented in the charts and plans.