Title: Lowana Comes To Darwin: A sailing voyage from Mackay in Queensland to Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia, September 1993
Author: Russ Swan
Publisher: BookVenture Publishing LLC
ISBN: 978-1-64069-458-9
Pages: 88
Genre: Non-Fiction, Journal
Reviewed by: Barbara Miller
Pacific Book Review
The fluidness of author Russ Swan’s writing, along with the timeless story of sailing off of the coast of Australia, makes for an adventure easily enjoyed from the armchair by any seafaring or landlubber reader. What began as a journal of the maiden voyage of the 30 foot sailing yacht Lowana by its recently acquired owner, has been expanded and enhanced into a story of problem solving, personal friendships and challenges of the inherent risks of sailing on open water in a new vessel.In the non-fiction memoir “Lowana Comes To Darwin,” Russ Swan takes us along on his voyage from Mackay to Darwin, Australia, a journey of roughly 1,600 nautical miles. Included onboard was Swan, his hired captain and one other crew member. Along the way, the performance of the Lowana was intimately studied by all, as Swan wrote about virtually every detail; as they negotiated the waterways off of the coastline of the Northern Territory on their journey “home.” Although Swan admits sailing has its long periods of peaceful relaxation with many pensive moments to ponder life, he artfully weaves in the elements of adventure by articulating events such as mechanical malfunctions, challenging tides and navigation; even the risks of interaction with deadly marine life including venomous snakes and a huge crocodile. As I paged the book, I was completely absorbed in his story, enjoying his characteristic Aussie accent combined with the vernacular of ship’s terms and sailing wisdom. I especially was impressed during one segment when the following seas were washing up on the vessel; Swan noticed the relaxed demeanor of the captain, thus putting his own fear at ease while realizing the need to stay calm even when the sea isn’t. He made a mental note to himself to demonstrate this calmness in the future when he would be captain, taking others aboard the Lowana.
In an honest reveal of a man’s quest to bring his newly purchased boat home to his local harbor, “Lowana Comes To Darwin” makes for a wonderful escape for readers anywhere; mentally transporting them off to the coast of Australia and the outer islands by the Great Barrier Reef to sail the area explored for centuries. His journey is highlighted with charts and peppered with photographs, enabling for a clear tracking of the maiden voyage of the Lowana under the direction of its new owner. What might be a “bucket list” trip to some, Swan has conveyed his enjoyment into the skillfully created story which is just the right length to read without becoming overly consuming; “Lowana Comes To Darwin” is the perfect length for a companion book while on your own adventure.
