Chapter One - a)

The inclusion of Brazil was due to that Country's recent progress and prominence in the world of modern painting and architecture, examples of which McEwen wished to observe "in loco".

In January 1956, whilst in Rio de Janeiro, a crisis arose owing to the desertion, on the eve of "Penelope's" departure for South Africa, of his original crew of three, seduced by the multiple attractions offered by Brazil, and the proximity of Carnival Time in Rio.

Anxious to reach the Cape before the March equinox, and to meet the deadline of 1st of April in Salisbury, McEwen appealed, through the Brazilian press, for volunteers to help him sail his ketch across the South Atlantic. Thirty enthusiastic volunteers came forward.

I was chosen, as Mate, owing to some previous experience as an officer in the Merchant Service. My son, Oliver, 22 years of age and a Spanish ex-Naval rating, Juan Cortizo Abeledo, 28, made up the rest of the new crew.

This article is, in effect a copy of a log-book kept by me during the 4,000 mile voyage from Rio to Cape Town.