Seto Summer - Author's Summary

Seto Summer is both the story of our journey by sail through Japan 's Inland Sea and a personal journey for me.The recent death of my father signalled an ill-fitting role as head of all generations of the family, it suggested responsibility and stability, yet adventures in the far corners of the world were still calling. Lyndall and I needed a spiritual, get-things-back-in-proportion lesson in a place far from preconceived Western notions.

Seto Naikai, as it is called, has long been a part of Japan that for outsiders, evokes an image of a strange and mystical waterway. Laced with myriad islands often shrouded in fog, it is the gateway to enticing ports that guard hidden treasures of ancient Japan .

Over the course of the journey, we struggled to make sense of Japanese language, signs, charts and the banking system while marvelling at the social graces, customs and unrivalled generosity of the people who helped us. We were in fear of the huge volumes of shipping, fast currents, narrow passes and at times terrible weather yet we learned to find peace in quiet temples surrounded by concrete, smog and industry. We ate magnificent meals, met stunning geisha and learned to believe the unbelievable. We departed Seto Naikai as different people.

For cruising sailors there are plenty of charts to pore over, port details, a reading glossary and descriptions of mouthwatering food. The pages are illustrated with sketches drawn by a fellow yachtie and graced with black and white and colour photos taken by Lyndall. We hope you enjoy reading it.