The Mysterious Disappearance Of A Sea Pioneer | Joshua Slocum Documentary | Timeline

Documentary chronicling the life and career of Joshua Slocum, the sailor who became the first solo circumnavigator of the globe. From his birth in Nova Scotia in 1844 to his mysterious disappearance at sea in 1909, this film offers an in-depth view of a fearless and charismatic sailor, writer and adventurer.
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[@robertgould8099]

Joshua Slocum was one of my guiding lights in 1982 when I sailed across the Atlantic and back in my own 47' sailboat, "Free Spirit" with my wife and 3 children. My earliest guiding light was Robin Lee Graham, who at a young age sailed a 24 foot sailboat named "Dove" around the world. I later bought a Paceship 23 and named it "Little Dove" I, too, wrote a book, "North Atlantic Odyssey" sailing to the Arctic Circle" published by St. Martin's Press in 1989. I, too, had the Boston Globe do a big article on my trip and was asked to lecture innumerable times. Watching this excellent production brought the ocean and all my experiences back to this 84 y.o. former sailor who now lives in a modest villa on a river in Florida.

[@aegrotattoo9018]

its good to have done heartfelt things as younger individuals, so that we don't have to swim in the regret of a boring life. Cheers to you !

[@robertgould8099]

Thanks. You are right. I regret nothing.

[@ryanmrowka8970]

Thank you Sir for ur comment. It put things in perspective considering you were 100 years after Joshua's adventure

[@jonfisher9214]

I'd like to think if ever a solo sailor gets sick out at sea, it's now Slocum who'll take the helm while they're sleeping in their bunk.

[@chrisstanmore-major5889]

Believe it.

[@Babalouie59]

The only risk you take in life is not taking any risks. My favorite quote regarding ships. "Boats are safe in a harbor. But boats aren't meant for harbors."

[@rascallyrabbit717]

the goat ate my charts -priceless

[@mr.morgan5643]

Joshua was an amazing Man! What a adventure! I loved his book "sailing around the world alone" He's still sailing out there somewhere!!! Fair winds!

[@ynote3435]

His dead somewhere

[@mr.morgan5643]

@@ynote3435 you've probably never read sailing around the world alone?

[@markus717]

Yes, good book. PS: If you recommend the book to people, best if you get the title right.

[@mr.morgan5643]

Sailing-Alone-Around-the world Happy?

[@captainjack8319]

I did not know of this man. I now do. History is a blessing.

[@Scupperjack]

Interesting and informative. As a sailor myself, and someone that has read his book about his circumnavigation, I find it great to see this presented. As a further surprise, I found out he brought Spray down the Erie Canal. This I did not know, and this shows film footage of the locks in my hometown of Lockport, NY. My home was a five minute walk to the canal, and a ten minute walk to the locks. I was thrilled to see this footage, and now realize I have a connection with Joshua Slocum besides my love for sailing.

[@elizabethreynolds3338]

We p stop Timorese

[@moose2706]

Definitely pretty neat seeing this video pop up. Joshua Slocum is my great great uncle. My grandmother used to talk about him pretty often when I was little.

[@CarlosHernandez-iz6np]

Yeah ok

[@annelbeab8124]

Any stories to add?

[@jamessoltis5407]

Joshua Slocum’s book is a joy to read.

[@helzwind01]

he was a distant relative of mine. thank you for sharing this.

[@wanderingquestions7501]

The man had true grit; and to think he maintained his sanity without FaceBook and selfies

[@jquest43]

He never got to hear Lil Wayne

[@matthewbailey2013]

@@jquest43 whaaaaat ?

[@jquest43]

@@matthewbailey2013 fer reel,foo! Dat slokum izz a square,NOT a G fooo!

[@annapaproc8822]

I think thats precisly why

[@edeliteedelite1961]

How could you maintain your sanity with them?

[@terrislocumstierwalt5743]

Joshua Slocum was a great, great...Uncle of mine. I remember my grandpa showing me and telling me about his book about Joshua Slocum, back in the sixties.

[@christopherjensen794]

Born in Nova Scotia, naturalized American when he rebuilt Spray and made the trip, and lets not forget his time in the Brazilian Navy! Truly a man of the world, and the sea.

[@johnopalko5223]

That was very well done. Slocum has always been one of my heroes. Now I need to go dig though my moving boxes, find his book, and re-read it.

[@johnopalko5223]

@88Gibson LesPaul Yes! I love that one, too.

[@jquest43]

@88Gibson LesPaul yes!!

[@dobypilgrim6160]

Thanks very much for this. A great story about a brave and adventurous man that I didn't know.

[@FTATF]

As someone who is a boat captain for a living, I often imagine and fear the sound of a rock on my hull.

[@sailingseahawk2012]

Don’t we all

[@drkronenbongsoddities4969]

My great great great grandfather .. nice to see the memory kept alive. I'm the progeny of his son Garfield who ended up in upstate Ny.

[@graceamerican3558]

Most interesting and such an adventure. His story.. history and the connections. One the best Time Lines I’ve seen yet.

[@devonshire56]

What a nicely done documentary of the Spray and Joshua Slocum, loved it.

[@heidifischerroy4372]

I just lived the story, conquering the sea right along Joshua........loved it

[@calamaridog]

At 30:00, you can see Larry Tyler's outboard motor, while he is recreating part of this famous voyage. I too would leverage technology for safety, but it just makes the original voyage that much more incredible.

[@brianshook3289]

Well, tyler used an evinrude, Slocum used a Johnson, like a real sailor!

[@tprdfh51]

My former girlfriend was Laurie Anne Slocum...she was directly related to Joshua Slocum through her father who was a US Air Force enlisted man at the NORAD base in North Bay, ON - he married a First Nations women from the area in the mid-50's and Laurie was one of the number of children born as a result of the union.

[@jquest43]

Second nation's There were others before her Ancient American magazine

[@voornaam3191]

@@jquest43 And there will always be people knowing it better. First nation, second nation, who cares? Nations are just nations. Your neighbor is way more important than that over rated nation of yours.

[@andrewbrown6522]

Thats a helluva grasp for some fame.. 😂

[@tprdfh51]

@@jquest43 can't remember which band her mother was from. The family moved to the US when her father's tour of duty was over.

[@gigiis526]

@@voornaam3191 Be nice

[@ericthiel4053]

This dude was definetly a rare breed. Absolute legend. Reminds me of the quote from braveheart "every man dies, not every man truly lives" . Josh Slocum lived, more than most of us will. What an adventure.

[@matthewpoplawski8740]

Back in the dark ages of school, SAILING ALONE AROUND THE WORLD WAS REQUIRED READING (probably don't have REQUIRED READING anymore). This was back in the 60's,and, I'VE NEVER LOST MY LOVE for this book(It took me some years, but I now have my own copy).⛵⛵⛵⚓⚓⚓✌✌✌✌

[@cestmoi1262]

Read Slocum's book years ago. It is a narrative you can't forget.

[@dervolkstribun6240]

He was, is and ever will be the true master off all the seven seas. He achieved of what we dream. He is the sailing legend of the entire world, his name is legacy to all those, who set sail to daring adventures towards unbound freedom. There is nothing like a strong gail, a solid and sturdy boat and the boundless sea, all to be mastered by one man only in face of the eternal. As long as mankind lives on this planet the name " Joshua Slocum" will be spoken out with ore and admiration.

[@robertcable8067]

in English it should be spelling......... Awe not Ore.which is stuff we mine out of the ground.

[@robertcable8067]

Also Gail is a girls name Gale is a strong wind

[@reds1325]

I gotta also say, this is the most respectful comment section I've ever seen in KZbin. Truly inspiring man. I wish I could sail around the world. I'm just an aging man from the Midwest who can't even swim 😂. But I do love sailing story's for some reason. I've even tried convincing my wife we should buy a boat and try it. Just a pipe dream for now I guess.

[@danglss76]

Do it , I did .death knocked often but I wouldn't trade that adventure for elons wealth.

[@reds1325]

@@danglss76 that's awesome glad someone is out there living the dream. Enjoy and be safe, hopefully someday I'll do the same.

[@wildlifecorner9138]

They are nice stories on the sailboats, loved watching

[@seltexmx]

As always, a beautiful well-presented history. Well spent time watching this. Thanks.

[@loganslocum4799]

This is my great great great grandpa thanks y’all for loving him

[@Oneman.oneboat]

Beautifully written and narrated!

[@matthewmontgomerysr.9735]

Definitely an inspiration to a many, of sailors . Including myself.

[@alexs.9261]

Amazing story! Quite a character living in our hearts, Salut!!, dear Captain!!

[@Georgeolddrones]

Excellent video thanks

[@catman8670]

A life well lived by a courage and far sighted seaman! 🌈

[@Dayepipes]

The 1st replica to also circumnavigate was the "Igdrasil" , covered in by a lengthy National Geographic article of the late 30's. In the mid 2000's I stumbled onto it in a boatyard in Anacortes WA where it was undergoing repairs.

[@richardhanson2235]

That was a man from a time when the ships were made of wood and the men were made of steel.

[@MusicWorld-zy6dl]

And now how is it? ships are made of steel and men are made of ....wood

[@rajamata1]

@@MusicWorld-zy6dl Sailboats are plastic nowadays so what are the men?

[@MusicWorld-zy6dl]

Rajamata, I think abuimen just replied men are made of wool lol

[@tehallanaz]

I've got wood

[@apexmaintenance461]

And now the ships are made of steel and the men are made of madness.

[@machine6483]

i sat and had an Xmas lunch with David many years ago.. and was left totally in awe of the man .

[@sexdrugsandrocknroll5943]

I watched the entire documentary with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.

[@timshaw8187]

Absolutely brilliant

[@BuzzSargent]

Great story! Thanks.

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

Wow. Great story, great life.

[@patrickyoung3503]

I'm glad to have looked at this video ,captivating & left me wanting to know more about Joshua Slocum . He certainly had wander lust in his veins , he knew something bigger was out there and wanted to explore it for himself .

[@skolsuper8447]

Thx Timeline love these posts.

[@christopherobrien9540]

My uncle bought a 40ft wooden sailboat named fayeaway built in the Caribbean in the 1920's I believe, right on the beach by sticking the ribs in the sand starting from there,.the original owner sailed around the world several times taking pictures for magazines with his family, I got to spend a summer living and working on it in dry dock but it had a plack inside that said "If God wanted us to build fiberglass boats he would have made fiberglass trees" lol doesn't make much sense to me but I get the feeling anyone with a wood boat would agree

[@ItsJakeStuff]

Fayeaway actually means fiberglass in ancient Greek. And fibreglass is made by God; it grows right under the snow..

[@bingeltube]

Very recommendable!

[@aliceinaddiction]

Narrated by Patrick Watson. Don't know who that is but sounds familiar from other docs. Good voice for it. Glad I drifted upon this doc as had never heard of Slocum and his voyages. Amazing.

[@richardjoyce2196]

canadian journalist of note.....not many around now

[@michaelgeraghty3989]

Many years ago I had the great pleasure of reading his book while sailing from LA to Honolulu. We spent three days in a Cat 1 hurricane. Reading about Slocum's challenges made our predicament seem less daunting.

[@auntiethu4328]

This doc is 20 years old??? Don't know what took so long to post but thank you

[@street5725]

this was my great great great grandfather

[@peterkacandes5905]

You need to correct the title to include the “Alone”, which without it, the title is incorrect.

[@ralphkrattli6607]

I had the same though first...but then I know what he did...

[@willmfrank]

The film does display at least four copies of Slocum's book "Sailing Alone Around the World," so that kinda-sorta makes up for it...I guess.

[@susellis493]

The word 'solo' means 'alone'.

[@TheManInTheRing]

What an amazing man. I too am from Nova Scotia

[@petersattler3454]

Navigated with standard household clock and spread tacks on the deck as an alarm against unwanted intruders whole at anchor. Have read his book countless times. What a man.

[@petersattler3454]

While at anchor.. auto correct.

[@ninja1antelope]

Wouldn’t compare anyone to Columbus. Interesting this man is so acclaimed when the world was populated eons prior to his life with a fraction of the geographic knowledge. Those are the true hero’s.

[@AlbertoA15]

As I am reading some misleading comments, here you have my two cents trying to clarify this: - Joshua Slocum was the first man to circumnavigate the world alone. - Juan Sebastián Elcano was the commander who completed the Spanish expedition that circumnavigated the world from 1519 to 1522. Although this expedition was started under the command of Ferdinand Magellan, he unfortunately died in the Philippines. Hope this helps.

[@jpeterman57]

Nothing misleading about it at all. Slocum was the first to solo around the world. Elcano did a half world navigation with a ship full of men after Magellan died. Big difference cuz.

[@gimmeshelter1969]

The goat ate his Caribbean chart for lunch! Damn!

[@mamiemonrovia7654]

the audio version of his book is available on YT. while reading the letter Slocum wrote in his own hand i am impressed with his spelling given that he only had 2 yrs of formal education!

[@Knapweed]

As a sailor, I like to think that Slocum would have wished his life would end at sea rather than in a cosy bed coughing up blood. I'm reminded of a line from "Unchained Melody": "Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea To the open arms of the sea Lonely rivers sigh, "Wait for me, wait for me I'll be coming home, wait for me"

[@Lurker1979]

First time I have heard of this fellow. Very fascinating.

[@edl617]

The Book is even Better, got line drawings of the vessel and how all his stores were kept in barrels except for his rifle and shotgun

[@mreza84]

Great book, I enjoyed it so much 👍

[@matthewpoplawski8740]

For what it's worth. In the book, Captain Slocum describes his encounter with a rogue wave of Patagonia. That wave found him on the way to Venezuela in 1909.😪😪😪 This, to me, is the way a real sailor such as Joshua Slocum should go,and, not run down by a steamship.⛵⛵⛵⛵

[@seangelarden9543]

Read his book as a teen and loved it

[@geraldperyman6535]

A great sailor,author,boat builder,navigator,adventurer and all round he man .He will always be remembered.(36 ft. boat).

[@WhaleGold]

Great video, I bought and read his book in High School in the early 60's. Also read other things about him. Time to dig that book out and read it again.

[@rayfreeth5156]

Yes I read a long time ago as well Need to read again as well

[@lukehorning3404]

Really interesting I had never heard of him

[@user-ep4dr2rc9x]

Years ago, “Uncle” Norman Albury, who ran the sail shop on Man O War Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, told me that Slocum stopped in there to have his sail repaired, AFTER the time everyone said he had disappeared. I asked if he had told anyone this? He said, no, nobody ever asked!

[@PennWolfsSailingAdventures]

I feel bad for people who have to imitate a life of someone who was just doing what they love. Be inspired but sail you own seas,find your own path, it will never be a waste of time.

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Great post, Eagles calling out for dramatic effect? Sound clown does not live by salt water.

[@kentstone319]

I ve loved sailing most of my life and some of it came reading his book. One part when he said he got his boat so balanced (his boat a yawl) he didin t touch the helm for 2 weeks and stayed on course. I think he did not get lost just found the the perfect island..

[@solsurfer1558]

Legends Never Die 🙌

[@legendary3906]

Living the life

[@verenaoliveira4321]

Tremendous true story

[@verenaoliveira4321]

Nice story

[@ryanslocum7767]

I believe I might be related to this guy. Some of my family was from Canada and I think my great grandma said that I was. I will have to get the book somewhere. Seems like a interesting man.

[@stevetorres76]

Mr David Jones , shown here at about 18:00 was also a remarkable man. He sailed around the world alone also. And that was after he lost an eye due to an auto accident and a lung due to disease... he passed away at 74 yrs old. 3 years after he was shown on this film. He also "as stated here" built a replica of The Liberdade .. but did have 1 crewmate with him to help sail it which is totally understandable since by that time his health wasn't the best.

[@odinangie1377]

Oh hey this guy is my great great great great grandfather

[@agoogler1887]

Interesting

[@rogeranderson8763]

I built my Herreshoff Marco Polo in the early 70's, inspired in part by Slocum, the Smeetons, Irving Johnson, John Guzzwell, Sir Francis and all the others who were doing it back in the day when some islanders might invite you to BE dinner rather then just come to dinner. Being the 'First' must have been a real experience of discovery. -Veteran '66-68

[@beedalton9675]

Im a merchant sailor.. Love the water and adventure Jules vern 20.000 leagues under the sea.. Mr slocum was a true sailor👍

[@douglasruss2889]

Bravo

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

I always thought that his story would have made a fantastic movie

[@blackbird5634]

its worth noting there was no stainless steel, or freeze dried food, no zip loc bags or nylon or plastic. Everything was canned food or caught by hand, everything was canvas and wool or leather. the overall weight of things was immense. No such thing as Walmart or a convenience store. If you landed someplace barren and rocky that's what there was. Nothing more, but you might be happy to have reached dry land. No telephones or radios, navigation did not include GPS and the compass, well it was nailed to the deck.

[@edl617]

don't forget the barrels he kept all his stores in. plus his lever action and rifle and shotgun he took along

[@dulls8475]

The boat was also poor.

[@edl617]

@@dulls8475 Replica's of the Spray has been sailed around the world since. In reading Slocum's book. The point of sail he rarely took was close haul. Broad Reach and before the wind is what he did the most.

[@dulls8475]

@@edl617 I agree and he was sensible to keep the boat off the wind. If you were going to go around the world a Spray is the last thing i would pick. I have sailed a spray bought by a friend many times.

[@raulthepig5821]

I wonder if he had to show his passport, check in with customs and immigration and declare his rifle at every country he entered. @@edl617

[@llewev]

Let's not forget Sir Francis Chichester. On 27 August 1966 Chichester sailed his ketch Gipsy Moth IV from Plymouth in the United Kingdom and returned there after 226 days of sailing on 28 May 1967, having circumnavigated the globe, with one stop (in Sydney). By doing so, he became the first person to achieve a true circumnavigation of the world solo from West to East via the great Capes. The voyage was also a race against the clock, as Chichester wanted to beat the typical times achieved by the fastest fully crewed clipper ships during the heyday of commercial sail in the 19th century.

[@nncoco]

His book is in my donation box. I am going to retrieve it now.

[@FinkNZRat]

I was thinking about Sir Francis. I was always taught he was the first to circumnavigate the world solo. I'd never heard of Slocum until I came upon this video.

[@jpeterman57]

Slocum did it with only a busted timepiece. Nuff said.

[@BillSikes.]

@@jpeterman57 Yes but Joshua stopped countless times, Chichester stopped only once, and he went by way of The Three Great Capes, Joshua didn't he took the easiest route, staying much further North thereby avoiding most of The Southern Ocean and 'The Roaring Forties' (The Terrific Storms found down there in those High Southern Lattitudes) Robin Knox Johnson was the first to circumnavigate the globe without stopping at all, it took him 306 days ! nevertheless Captain Slocum will always be remembered for being the first to sail the entire the globe alone even tho he did stop it's still a truly remarkable accomplishment for which he has my highest respect

[@marcelmurgatroyd5272]

@@BillSikes. no radio, no life raft,no hope of rescue if his skill health or luck failed. Men who knew as Tillman aptly put it, for Slocum "every herring hangs on its own tail.

[@edward6902]

Linden MacIntyre narrating…BONUS that was brilliant 🌞

[@happyfreeliferc]

Great story.i wonder if he didn't make his last voyage public ,he would have sailed on .✌

[@Sidetrackification]

Thank You kindly for posting this!

[@GermanGreetings]

The Spray sailed through my childhood...

[@dulls8475]

Not only was it incredible what he did but the fact he did it in a poor boat.

[@damondanieli]

Joshua Slocum would disagree! He loved they Spray and recommended its design after he completed his journey. It’s in the end of his book.

[@dulls8475]

@@damondanieli I suppose because it could store so many provisions as you would need them.

[@sblack48]

Id heard of him but never knew he was a Cannuck!

[@seayak]

it is a shame that the credits roll by so quickly - the creators of this wonderful documentary deserve more screen time than this!!!!!!!

[@Ddub1083]

You can slow down the video in the options.

[@songsmith31a]

I agree with this observation. It is an frequent occurrence in US productions, as it willing only "to pay lip service" to anything but the subject of the film itself.

[@songsmith31a]

P..S. In my previous comment, perhaps I should have said "a frequent occurrence in a number of US productions".in the cause of being less judgemental..

[@arrrgonot7801]

Fantastic program. Never heard of Slocum. I must read his book. TY

[@JimiHendrix998]

I loved this book. Simple kind english describing drama without hyperbole. Buffalo Bill's autobiography is similarly written. He and Joshua describe near death experiences as if they were a visit to the local supermarket... Bless them and the other pioneers. They inspired my youth and they comfort my advanced years...

[@EastboundandUp]

Not first to solo circumnavigate, just the first to write and publish a book about it...

[@generoush3823]

I wore put several copies of his book

[@MikeFloutier]

Super video, thank you! ⛵️🍾❤️

[@CHRIS198490]

imagine sleeping alone no gps no electronics

[@MusicWorld-zy6dl]

A really peaceful life....

[@johnmilligan6605]

Lots of people still sail without GPS and electronics including myself

[@miss.apprehended]

Don't recall Slocum being part of ON.🇨🇦 history curriculum.. 👩‍🏫😪🙅‍♀️.. definitely wouldn'tve dozed off to learn of this prolific Canadian's remarkable maritime history.

[@snow.flower]

reading his book right now!

[@AnthonyGerardiAndroidWare]

I grew up in queens NY. In the cemetery was a tribute to the Slocum and all the fatalities when it sank off ny. Never realized it was named after him

[@tomh6183]

It wasn’t,it was named after a Civil War general.

[@sailorapril]

This is a very nice documentary 🥰

[@PaulStClair-or3gj]

One of the several yachts l owned in my my life was replica Spray.. complete with wooden blocks and lowering topmost. As for it's sailing qualities they were excellent... Good tracking.. solid and seaworthy. When it's lines were measured by modern computers.. it was found to have centre off effort... centre of resistance... centre of gravity... in a perfect combination. Years off building experience went into such a build... no drawings.