Capital – May 24, 2024 –
The captivating saga of “Shrink in the Drink,” andrew Hill-Smith, is now immortalized in a book following his exceptional sailing adventure.The book chronicles his daring journey circumnavigating Great Britain in a Laser dinghy, sharing stories of endurance, ingenuity and sailing. As an experienced sailor and now author, his outlook offers a unique insight. Watch out for the book’s launch event!
From Sea Legs to Literary Pages: “Shrink in the Drink” Launches His Tale
The Epic Voyage
Andrew Hill-Smith, known as the “Shrink in the Drink,” achieved a remarkable feat in 2023: circumnavigating Great Britain in a Laser dinghy. He was the oldest person to complete the journey unsupported,spending four and a half months at sea. his efforts raised over £21,000 for three charities. The vessel for this adventure was affectionately named HMS Betty, after his mother.
Did You Know?
Laser dinghies are single-handed sailing boats known for their simplicity and responsiveness, making them a popular choice for racing and recreational sailing. However, they are not typically used for long-distance voyages due to their small size and lack of amenities.
From Waves to Words
Now, the “Shrink in the Drink” has transformed his maritime experiences into a book. The story is told through prose, accompanied by pictures, maps, and illustrations. The book combines sailing adventures with coastal life observations.
Pro Tip:
When writing about personal experiences,use vivid language and sensory details to bring the story to life. include anecdotes and personal reflections to connect with readers on an emotional level.
A Launch Unlike Any Other
The book launch was designed to be as unique as the adventure itself. Instead of a traditional venue, the book was launched on the HMS Betty at Papercourt Sailing Club.
The challenge was to protect the book from the water. The solution involved securing the book to a mini wooden mast placed in the mast step, complete with a flag.
Reader Question:
What are some creative ways to launch a book that reflects its theme or content?
Navigating the Launch logistics
Moving HMS Betty into the water presented another challenge. A shipyard launch was considered, but the newly refinished hull made a concrete slide unappealing. Instead, a fender was used to carefully maneuver the boat.
A highwayman’s hitch knot secured the boat before its release, ensuring a smooth entry into the water.
The Champagne Conundrum
The traditional champagne bottle smash posed a risk to the fiberglass hull.Inspiration struck after a theater visit to see “Everyman.” The solution was a brittle, “theatre glass” bottle.
The “Shrink in the Drink” recounted his conversation with a stagehand: Oh, that’s theatre glass.
This led him to acquire a special bottle from ‘Breakaway Effects’ in West Molesey.
Watch the Launch
A video of the book launch is available online. The main action occurs near the end of the video.
A Worthwhile Read
The book offers an immersive experience of the sailing adventure.
The “Shrink in the Drink” describes the book as offering a gentle immersion in the full adventure, without the need to get wet.
