Solo sailing the Atlantic & Caribbean by Alan McMahon
is an autobiographical account of my friend Alan McMahon who went on a 13-month adventure, sailing across the Atlantic from Europe to the Caribbean and back, single-handed.
I met Alan in 2024 and it was immediately clear that we shared our passion for discovering the world on our own terms. We had both set off, just after marriage to explore the world, leaving our exceptional supportive partners behind, we are born in the same year…. and are both still longing for more adventures to come.
Alan has a passion for circumnavigation the world if you ask me. In 2003 he´d set of as a newly-wed leaving his wife behind (just as I did when I went on my first backpacking-trip) with his friend Paul Ryan to fly around the world in a single-engine light aircraft. But that wasn´t enough.
In June 2018 he started his journey breaking away from the shackles of the office to work remotely from his boat a 35-foot Hallberg Rassy 352. He would be away for 13 months this time.
His book gives you inside about his life story with all its ingredients of happiness, grief, struggle and breaking away temporarily from family and friends embracing the isolation of the ocean. It´s written in a diary format with a very helpful appendix and glossary at the end about his preparations, facts and figures for those who´re seeking an ocean crossing themselves.
Alan´s book shows that with dedication you can combine your personal desire without letting go completely and gives you ideas about how to challenge yourself.
I have a weakness for the Irish and Scottish, so meeting Alan in person was a bless. He´s funny, and I melt away by his Irish accent. He invited me over to experience sailing for myself. So, I joined him and “Esperanza” in Sardinia in 2024 for my very first sailing trip. Being a mountain girl, I was sceptical and clueless about what it would be like. I had exactly 3 days to prepare myself! What happened was magical. We had the best weather conditions, I experienced mooring, anchoring, being in a harbour all within 4 days of time! Learned some knots and got an impression of the spirit of sailors. Alan was kind, patient, a grateful eater and charming companion. He was a brilliant Captain and I felt safe at all times. We had an amazing time, great talks and being his crew for the time being planted this little seed in myself. He would say “You´ve got the bug”. In 2025 I was invited for a second trip. Two weeks sailing from Agde, France to Corsica and Sardinia. Of course, I couldn´t turn that offer down.
Because of Alan… my desire to explore the seas of the world has grown.
Thanks Alan, for letting me into your world and expanding my possibilities of moving around! Link for his book on Amazon: bit.ly/4nc2Qjx
