By Way of the Wind

On July 4, 1976, Jim and Molly Moore slipped their 36-foot sloop Swan into the Columbia River at Portland for its maiden voyage. As they entered the channel, he reminded his wife that ``starboard'' was on the Oregon side of the river. Fourteen months later, these inexperienced sailors--the author, a nervous navigator, and his wife, a seasick mate--set out for the South Pacific and a four-year circumnavigation: first stop, Hawaii. After seven months there, they moved on to Samoa, which they found disappointing, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand. They took temporary jobs in Australia, then traced part of Captain Cook's voyage in Endeavor. Swan proved to be a remarkably trouble-free craft. The author describes the south Atlantic as a ``boring stretch of salt water.'' The most harrowing incident occurred in the Caribbean when they were pursued by pirates, whom the author threatened with a shotgun. This fine adventure will delight blue-water sailors. Photos not seen by PW. Dolphin Book Club selection. (May)