Robert F. Marx

An interesting memoir about a re-enactment of history. In 1962, the author, along with eight other men from Spain, set out to sail the ocean sea just as Columbus did. They built a replica of the Nina by researching caravels and sailing vessels of the times, and using authentic materials, tools and shipwright methods. The author, an American, set about finding all the needed supplies from the Fifteenth century at flea markets! He ended up at museums, and some things had to be built or crafted, but they were done so with the skills and tools which would have been around at the time of Columbus. The only food they took was that which sailors of the time would have had.
The tale goes from one of mild interest in all the preparations to one of breath-holding, nail-biting suspense as they set sail and encounter incredible setbacks and dangers. I found it a good read.… (mere)