Peter Hancock tells the story of his voyages in a 26-foot sailboat, Kylie, and describes the places he has visited and the characters he has met. His travels have taken him round Britain, into the waters of Bulgaria, from one end of the Mediterranean to the other, and across the Atlantic to Antigua. After deciding that his hearing problem had become too great for him to continue as a Merchant Navy officer, Hancock reverted to teaching until the sea beckoned him once more. With the aim of some serious long-distance, single-handed sailing, he bought Kylie and sailed ever-increasing distances to gain experience for his life's ambition of cruising alone.