Val Howells and the new edition of Sailing Into Solitude

[Nick]

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In June, 1960, with no fanfare, five sailors left Millbay Docks, Plymouth to race across the North Atlantic in the first Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic Race. At that time, the voyage they were embarking on was viewed by many in the yachting community as not just challenging, but practically impossible. The gale-swept ocean with its prevailing westerly winds was seen as an overwhelming force that no small yacht could prevail against for 3,000 miles, let alone a singlehander.

One of these was Val Howells. Now at age 84 he has formed his own publishing company and is setting up a website. He is publishing a new edition of 'Sailing Into Solitude', his very personal account of that historic race. I am currently reading the lavishly produced hardback version, and will be writing a review when I have finished it.

The book is available on Amazon for Kindle, but thisis one I would recommend getting for your collection in the rather sumptuous stitch bound hardback, which features high quality silk finished paper. The hardback is crammed full of fascinating photographs, right down to the menu of the original 'half crown dinner'. See Landsker Publications for more info.

I previously wrote a review of another one of Val's books, 'Up That Particular Creek' , for BlueMoment. If you haven't read either of these books then I thoroughly recommend them.

[Nick]

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Well, posting this a week ago much has happened. I took over the management of the website, redesigned it and it can now be seen at http://www.valhowells.com (the previous URL now redirects).

Of particular interest on the new site is a sample of the audiobook, consisting of the first chapter. It is read by the author, and is well worth a listen.

[Silkie]

Nice site. I think I might make a purchase although p&p seems a bit steep at almost half the cost of the paperback.

[Mark]

Saundersfoot. Small world.

[Mark]

Saundersfoot. Small world.

Wonder if he's a relation of Roscoe Howells?

[Nick]

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All purchase links on the site now checked and working and a few sales made already.

[Clyde_Wanderer]

Yes a cracking looking site Nick, well done.
I definatly will be adding this read to my list.
I assume the purchase id directly from Val or his agents?
C_W

[Nick]

I assume the purchase id directly from Val or his agents?
C_W

Yes - he's set up his own publishing company. It's as direct as it gets.

[Mark]

I assume the purchase id directly from Val or his agents?
C_W

Yes - he's set up his own publishing company. It's as direct as it gets.

I assume you did the site for him? Does he live in Saundersfoot?

And why is there no wikipedia page for VH?

[Nick]

I assume you did the site for him? Does he live in Saundersfoot?

And why is there no wikipedia page for VH?

Yes, I did the site. Still a few bits and pieces to add.

I guess there is not Wikipedia page because no-one has bothered to write one. He is mentioned on the Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race page.

[Mark]

I assume you did the site for him?

Yes, I did the site. Still a few bits and pieces to add.

So next question, did he get hold of you via Bluemoment, in which case dose he lurk here?

[Nick]

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No, he doesn't lurk here AFAIK. We originally got in touch after I reviewed 'Up That Particular Creek', back in 2005.

He got in touch to see if I wanted to review the new edition of SiS and I suggested I might be able to improve on the existing website.

[Mark]

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No, he doesn't lurk here AFAIK. We originally got in touch after I reviewed 'Up That Particular Creek', back in 2005.

He got in touch to see if I wanted to review the new edition of SiS and I suggested I might be able to improve on the existing website.

Damn, more 'must read' books to add to my wish list. Judging by the quality of Chapter 1, I fear I may be buying the audio book too.

Must resist.