Triumph and Tribulation

Dive into the riveting adventures of H. W. Tilman in his final work, a remarkable account of courage and tenacity at sea titled 'Triumph and Tribulation.' This paperback edition, measuring 156 x 216 mm with 202 pages, encapsulates the spirit of voyage, exploration, and the challenges faced during his extraordinary maritime journeys. Experience the thrill of circumnavigating Spitzbergen, where the seasoned crew of the pilot cutter Baroque confronts perilous navigational errors and the unpredictability of the ocean. Tilman's storytelling brings to life his explorations in some of the most remote regions of our planet, while also reflecting on the camaraderie and resilience that define a successful expedition. Each page invites readers to embrace the charm of failure as a catalyst for adventure, as seen in his 1975 journey along Greenland's west coast. Despite setbacks, Tilman's passion for sailing and adventurous spirit remind us that every voyage, successful or not, contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history. This gripping narrative serves as a testament to teamwork and leadership, enriching our understanding of what it truly means to navigate life's waters. Ideal for adventurers, sailors, and lovers of nautical literature, 'Triumph and Tribulation' is a must-read for anyone inspired by the sea and its boundless challenges.

Author: H. W. Tilman Publisher: Lodestar Books
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 156 x 216 mm
Pages: 202
Publication Date: 01-06-2017

No ship should be without Tabasco sauce. Experience is said to be the name men give to their mistakes and of the experience I gained in Spitzbergen that may well be true. The circumnavigation of Spitzbergen is the first of three voyages described in HW ‘Bill’ Tilman’s fifteenth and final book, a remarkable example of his ability to triumph when supported by a crew game for all challenges. The 1974 voyage of the pilot cutter Baroque takes Tilman to his furthest north; the highest latitude of any of his travels in the northern or southern hemisphere. The account of this achievement makes compelling reading, the crew pulling together to avert potential disaster from a navigational misjudgement. A younger, less experienced crew join Tilman in 1975, this time heading north along Greenland’s west coast until a break in the boom necessitates the abandonment of the objective and an early return. “That one can never be quite confident of reaching any of the places I aim at may be part of their charm, and failure is at least an excuse for making another voyage.” The following year proves to be Tilman’s last voyage in his own boat, his account beginning with a dry nod to his artillery background: “As I begin to describe this voyage, the discrepancy between the target and the fall of shot provokes a wry smile.” Tilman never expected crews to pay, covering all the costs of his voyages personally. He therefore held the quite reasonable view that his crew would pull their weight, show loyalty to the ship and take the rough with the smooth. Sadly, the crew in 1976 fell far short of that expectation, forcing several changes of plan and eventually obliging Tilman to leave Baroque in Iceland. Not for the first time in Tilman’s remarkable 140,000 miles of voyaging is he moved to quote Conrad: “Ships are all right, it’s the men in them.” Tilman set a high standard and led by example; where his companions rose to the challenge, as they did in the majority of his expeditions, the results were often remarkable. Triumph and Tribulation closes this newly extended edition of his literary legacy; a fine testament to a remarkable life.