Sailing to the Edge of Time

The Promise, the Challenges, and the Freedom of Ocean Voyaging

By: John Kretschmer

Narrated by: Matthew Kevin Anderson

Bloomsbury presents Sailing to the Edge of Time by John Kretschmer, read by Matthew Kevin Anderson.

John Kretschmer is sailing’s practical philosopher – as much a doer as a thinker. And that is the overarching theme of this chronicle of a sailing life. Often amusing, sometimes poignant, occasionally terrifying but always inspiring, his deeply personal account is a welcome reminder of the good life waiting at sea.

With hundreds of thousands of nautical miles under his keel, John’s adventures have taken him several times around the world, with challenging crossings of the Atlantic and the Pacific, a narrow escape from a coup in Yemen, an unlikely deliverance from a coral reef off Belize as well as more serene, introspective passages where trade winds are blowing and stories are flowing. His crew has included CEOs, actors, writers, teachers, kids – in essence, everyone.

John’s narrative is interwoven with practical tips and advice in seamanship, but also, and just as importantly, his hard-won insights about making the most of our lives. He truly believes we find out who we really are, and what we are capable of, far from the shackles of land, when we find a place where time changes shape – days may merge into one another, but minutes are memorable.

To live adventurously is to live more fully, and that is the life John Kretschmer continues to live. In this book he shares his simple profundities that will inspire those who live to sail, and those seeking something more rewarding from life.

©2018 John Kretschmer (P)2020 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Critic reviews

"A remarkable and very enjoyable cocktail of blue water, action and wisdom. Kretschmer is a fine writer and an inspiration." (Tristan Gooley)

Excellent writing, fantastic sea stories

John Kretschmer has the unique ability to take you along on his many ocean voyages with every word. I wish the narrator had taken the time to find out how to pronounce words he was unfamiliar with. He had several versions of “Quetzal” and she’s one of the most important characters in the book. Despite this, the beautifully written stories came through.

another great novel by John

a nice collection of short stories and experiences for all sailors to enjoy. If you're looking for a book this is a good one.

great book, mediocre reader

the book is amazing. However the reader ignores proper pronunciation on easily searched terms. If you sail, it's worth wincing at the bad words and moving forward.

Excellent book, awful reader.

i absolutely love the way John Kretschmer writes, and like his other books, this is a constant inspiration to improve my sailing. The only issue is with the reader, who does not seem to be able to pronounce many words. It is not just sailing terms (i.e., leeward), but place names and many common English words. I am not sure why this person was paid to read something when they have little ability to do so, but otherwise the book is great!

Great book in spite of the narration

Get this book… Anyone who has read John Kretschmer knows this man can spin a beautiful and vivid sea story. Sailing to the edge of time follows suit. The chapters are wonderfully threaded with Historical, philosophical and heartfelt recounting of his many times at sea, as well as technical information that sailors will relish.

Mr Kretschmer brings to life his passengers, students, friends and family that accompany him on his long blue water passages.

The narrator was less than colorful. His monotone, and at times dull voice took a while to get used to, but the book’s content won me over in spite of sub-par narration.