‘Sailing Down the Mountain’ is a fun ride
Author/singer/songwriter/musician Ben Harrison’s new book, Sailing Down the Mountain, centers on his challenge-turned-unexpected-career as — wait for it — a boatbuilder, in cahoots with his “boatbuilding partner” to whom the book is dedicated, gallery guru and Australian pine protector, Helen Harrison.
At the beginning, the two almost-newlyweds had only a seriously-studied academic acquaintance with sailboat design (they did seek out a fine marine architect), Costa Rica, the Spanish language, boatwrighting or, the goal of the entire endeavor, distance ocean sailing. They didn’t let that stop them, and therein lies the tale.
Sailing Down the Mountain is Harrison’s third work of nonfiction; it is an autobiography, a travel book, a relationship guide and an adventure, relying on journal entries by both of them, with a seasoning of not who-done-it but how-the-hell-will-they-do it? The writer prefers the designation of adventure. Whatever the genre, it is a fine and mostly absorbing story. The book was compelling enough, I must admit, that vacation shipboard temptations such as the casino, late-night entertainment and convivial nightcaps with potential new friends gave way to the compulsion to find out How It Works Out. The answer, reached in Provincetown (Mass.) harbor? Fine, thank you.
In addition to the creation of a seaworthy sailing vessel — and in fact giving rise to a whole production line of sailboats built on their model — there are a few other surprises. The actual transport into the water is one. The fact that the shipbuilding partners not only didn’t kill each other but continued to enjoy each other’s company is another. They have now been married; very happily, it appears, for 42 years come August.
The book is generously illustrated from the family album, from their wedding recessional to La Dulce Mujer under sail. The photos give rise to a final surprise: Neither of the Harrisons have changed shape much (OK, Ben’s heavier) or look all that much different now than then; Ben didn’t have very much hair even in his late 20s.
Hopefully, Sailing Down the Mountain will go into a second printing; there are a few proofing errors that need fixing and while preface, epilogue, bibliography and acknowledgements are interesting and appreciated, the book cries out for a glossary for us landlubbers who don’t know a coaming from a fiddle or a wench, in sailing terms. Had I not been traveling with an experienced sailor and boat captain willing to translate, it might have been frustrating.
Harrison’s other publications are Undying Love, “the darkly humorous” tale of Key West character Count Carl von Cosel and his love for the dying Maria Elena Hoyos; the novel Charlie Jones, set in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Harrison grew up; and Official Visit, “about college and professional baseball recruiting, which Ben and his son went through.” He has also written three musical shows (book and music) and a whole lot of other music.
For your own trip Sailing Down the Mountain, visit Harrison Gallery at 825 White St., Amazon or NewAtlantianLibrary.com. Reach Harrison at [email protected].
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