‘Epic boat story’ book to be launched ahead of Tall Ships arrival
AN AUTHOR with a Shetland connection will visit the library in Lerwick later this month to launch his new book, The Voyage of the Aegre, at the start of the Tall Ships week.
Australian Nick Grainger was just 23 when he bought his boat Aegre in the seventies – now he is telling the story of their journey.
It was a Shetland model boat, built in Wick in 1966 by Yell man Tom Edwardson.
Grainger and his wife Julie were originally just going to sail the coast of the UK, but they ended up going across the Atlantic and into the Pacific Ocean.
The couple were eventually caught in a cyclone and had to find safety in Samoa, one of the Polynesian islands.
Grainger wanted to launch the book in Shetland because of the boat’s origins.
He said: “Ever since the voyage I’ve wanted to share the experience with boat lovers in Shetland. I feel honoured to finally have the chance.”
Shetland Library manager Karen Fraser said it is a “fascinating story”.
Grainger will be joined by Andrew Halcrow, author of Into the Southern Ocean.
Photos will also be on display at the library.
The book launch will take place at the Lerwick Library on 25 July from 5.30pm.
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