Sailing by Starlight: The Remarkable Voyage of Globe Star

Marvin Creamer, a retired geography professor, and hobby sailor, successfully completed a circumnavigation without using any navigation instruments in 1982. His journey demonstrated that ancient peoples could have traveled the world's oceans using their brains, senses, and experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In 1982, a remarkable adventure unfolded as a hobby sailor and retired geography professor named Marvin Creamer embarked on a circumnavigation. On his 36-foot steel ketch, Globe Star, Creamer and his crew set sail into the Atlantic, embarking on the first leg of their journey, bound for Africa. What made this expedition truly extraordinary was the fact that they carried absolutely no navigation instruments of any kind. No LORAN, no GPS or AIS (civilian versions of which did not exist in 1982), no sextant or astrolabe, no radar, and not even a clock on board. Despite this lack of traditional tools, Creamer and his crew relied on their blue-water sailing experience and profound knowledge of the Earth, the stars, and the winds and waves.

Eighteen months later, Creamer returned, having accomplished what many thought impossible. He had proven that one could sail around the globe without relying on any instruments. Creamer's mission was to showcase that ancient peoples, such as the Norse and South Pacific Islanders, could have navigated the world's oceans using only their brains, their five senses, and the accumulated experience of their seafaring ancestors.

The trip was not without its challenges. Creamer faced almost constant problems, from equipment malfunctions to navigational difficulties. However, his determination and ingenuity shone through, as he improvised solutions and overcame obstacles with remarkable skill.

The author was granted exclusive access to Creamer's diaries, photos, and other memorabilia by Creamer's family. Through their personal accounts and the meticulous documentation provided, the reader is transported into the heart of this extraordinary adventure. The story unfolds in a captivating manner, offering exceptional examples of seafaring ingenuity and sheer determination on the part of Creamer and his crew.

This remarkable journey not only challenged the boundaries of human capability but also shed light on the rich history and traditions of seafaring cultures. Creamer's achievement has inspired generations of sailors and adventurers, reminding us that with determination and a deep understanding of the natural world, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve the seemingly impossible.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493065691
Edition number: Annotated ed