Ann Davison set off from Plymouth on May 18th 1952 to sail across the Atlantic in her 23’ yacht Felicity Ann. Most people would consider this an act of extraordinary bravery. Ann, a former aviator and hard-working smallholder, had survived 19 traumatic days battling gales in the Irish Sea and English Channel with her husband Frank. Their yacht had been wrecked and Frank had died. Now, three years later, almost exactly to the day, Ann was setting out again, alone.

She was terrified. She knew she lacked sailing experience. She knew her closest relatives didn’t want her to go. Her determination came from the day of disaster when her husband’s body slipped from her into the raging sea. She wished to die herself but ‘I chose to live’. This voyage would complete the private vow she made then.

Ann Davison found courage through her voyage: she also, later found happiness. She offers her readers an outstandingly honest, insightful, funny and beautiful account of both her internal journey and her ocean crossing.

Her companion, Felicity Ann, has her own story. Captain Wayne Chimenti of the Community Boat Project, Port Townsend, describes the little wooden yacht’s years of neglect and now her restoration.