| Price Comparisons: Rental | | Sorry, the textbook you were looking for is not available as Rental, at any of the stores we searched. | Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com | In October 1998, a wayward tropical storm blossomed into one of the most powerful hurricanes in modern history. When it finished its devastating course throughout the Caribbean, Hurricane Mitch had killed thousands of people, left hundreds of thousands more homeless, and destroyed whole towns. Journalist Jim Carrier turns up a small but telling incident: the disappearance of a 282-foot schooner called the Fantome. Guided by a young but accomplished English captain and manned by seasoned West Indian sailors, the cruise ship put into port in Belize to discharge its passengers, then set out to sea in an attempt to outrace a storm that, defying expectation, changed its course and in the end sent the Fantome and its crew beneath the waves. All that was terrible enough; added to it was the legal battle that awaited the crew's survivors, one that hung over the disaster "like a poisonous cloud." Following the Fantome's course hour by hour, Carrier covers all aspects of the incident thoroughly and sympathetically. His book makes a compelling companion to Sebastian Junger's The Perfect Storm as a fine reconstruction of a maritime tragedy, one that does honor to the unfortunate dead. --Gregory McNamee | Average Customer Rating: She Sailed With Amazing Grace ~ WOW! What a fantastic book and if you ever sailed on the Fantome, it is a must have. Mr. Carrier did an excellent job in researching this book and describing things to the point that I felt as if we were right there in the middle of everything that was going on. Jammers will remember these infamous words, "step on the blue, grab the crew".
We sailed on Fantome many times and in her earlier days before they covered her well deck she gave you the impression of an old pirate ship. The hand carved rails were like pieces of art. We loved this ship, and sailed with Captain Guyan on several occasions, he was a true sailor and one of the nicest people you could ever meet. We also knew most of the crew who were also lost during this savage hurricane named Mitch. The Ship and The Storm by Jim Carrier which I highly recommend was not at all what I expected but more. He not only told of the awesome sight of seeing a tall ship for the first time to those who had never seen one but about the fun that awaited those who would enjoy the adventure of playing pirate for just a little while escaping the every day life. It is suspenseful as well as you get an inside view of what the command center in Miami is watching and how they are tracking this devil storm as she twisted and turned in directions no one would have ever imagined and what it was like not only to fly into a hurricane but being in the eye of the storm as well. Then he gave a view of how the people on land tried to protect themselves and their property. In the end it was fruitless as they were at the mercy of one the worst storms ever recorded. I found it rather eerie when he wrote about the premonitions the wives, girl friends, mothers and family members had. Down right spooky! This was a bitter sweet read for me because as I read I knew exactly what parts of the ship were being referred to. She was a magnificent lady and I mourn her loss to this day but also treasure all her memories. Sadly Fantome which means ghost ship in French really is one now and rests at the bottom of the sea with her Captain & a fantastic crew of guys who were more like family to anyone who ever sailed on this magnificent ship and never to return. May they all rest in peace and never be forgotten.
Terry & Gail ~ Pennsylvania, USA
Great man and the Sea read Well written and keeps your interest all the way through. True story of brave men against one of the biggest storms ever. Chilling Account I had the occaision to sail through a storm on the Fantome several years before it went to the bottom. I remember some of the crew from my trip and I have many photos of the ship and its crew before, during, and after our storm. The book brought back some chilling memories. If you ever sailed the Fantome or other ships in Barefoot Cruises fleet you will find this an engrossing read. the ship and the storm Excellent book for those who have traveled on the windjammer cruises. The description of the rooms - very true and the daily working of the ship very well deswcribed. Good book Refreshes memories Having been aboard the Fantome in the 70s. I heard stories about her sinking. It is a sad to know the details. With the woes of the Windjammer fleet it is a shame that many future generations may never see or have the opportunity to be on board a true sailing ship. This book is a great tribute to the people who gave this experience to many of us in a safe and fun manner. | |