The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow cover art

The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow

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The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow

By: A. J. Mackinnon
Narrated by: A. J. Mackinnon
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About this listen

A revitalised edition of this much-loved best seller.

Truly hilarious books are rare. Even rarer are those based on real events. Join A.J. Mackinnon, your charming and eccentric guide, on an amazing voyage in a boat called Jack de Crow.

A couple of quiet weeks sailing the River Severn was the intention. Somehow things got out of hand—a year later, I had reached Romania and was still going....

Equipped with his cheerful optimism and a pith helmet, this Australian Odysseus in a dinghy travels from the borders of North Wales to the Black Sea—4,900 kilometres over salt and fresh water, under sail, at the oars, or at the end of a tow-rope—through 12 countries, 282 locks and numerous trials and adventures, including an encounter with Balkan pirates. Along the way he experiences the kindness of strangers, gets very lost and perfects the art of slow travel.

©2009 A. J. Mackinnon (P)2022 W F Howes Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Sailing Sailing & Boating Travel Writing & Commentary Water Sports Sports Witty Funny

Critic Reviews

"A marvellous adventure, and Mackinnon recounts it with humour and unflagging enthusiasm...a clever and entirely engaging read." (Melbourne Times)

"A great travel writer and more importantly a great traveller." (Sydney Morning Herald)

"Not just an adventurer, but an artist, philosopher and keen observer of the world around him." (Canberra Times)
All stars
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This is a wonderful book. I can't describe how much joy it has given me and this has been added to by listening to Sandy's narration. Just brilliant: clever, witty, funny and thoughtful. Soul satisfying.

one of my all time favourites

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Sandy’s literative gift and telling the story with wit and humour. Ha ha ha ha

Sandys narrating

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Great book, made even greater by the actual narration by the author. Wonderful humour and wit, taking the reader from north Wales to the Black Sea. All by dinghy along rivers, lakes, canals and umpteen locks. Loved every minute of it and will be listening to it again. Fantastic listening.

sailing dinghy adventures

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what an incredible journey, humour, wit, geography and misadventure and a definite feel good listen

absolutely priceless gem of a listen

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Fun, witty and enjoyable listen on a long road trip with children. Ten out of ten.

Awesome!

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To have this marvellous story in the author's voice was a charming and wonderful ride. Enjoyed every moment. I would have loved an illustrated map.

What a joy!

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Such a pleasant story so well told. Sandy makes you feel like you are in boat with him.

Amazing journey with Jack

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This is a book I would never have chosen. I was recommended by my Barista. I am so grateful, this book was funny and surprising and dang right comedic in an almost poetic way! thank you for taking me away in far away lochs, seas and adventures.

windswept!

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This book was a total joy. What an adventure undertaken in a small rowing boat from England to Romania! It is a well written travelogue, full of humour and beautifully narrated by the author, Sandy Mackinnon. I found myself chortling quite a few times! I really loved it

Absolutely Delightful

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A very enjoyable story of the author's adventure through Europe on a mirror dinghy. Beautiful writing and genuinely funny moments throughout.
The narration by the author was fantastic, capturing the true feeling of being told a story.

A delight

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.