The illuminated manuscripts that recount the epic voyage of the sixth century saint Brendan from Ireland west across the seas to an unknown land were long considered apocryphal. But explorer, author and film maker Tim Severin was fascinated by the story they told, and after pain-staking research managed to build a replica of a sixth century curragh just as the monks of medieval Ireland would have sailed, and set off to cross the Atlantic.
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Having survived encounters with killer whales, Atlantic gales and the ice floes of Greenland and Labrador, the Brendan is within reach of its destination.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
It's been a very difficult journey across the northern Atlantic from Iceland to Greenland. The weather has been adverse, and the Brendan's crew are exhausted. Now they face their biggest challenge yet, when the leather boat that has so far withstood the atrocious conditions finally succumbs to the pressure, and develops a leak.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
Unfavourable weather conditions are making the Brendan's voyage much more difficult.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
The Brendan and her crew of five have made it as far as Iceland, with a favourable wind having made the sailing easy thus far. However, the weather now turns against them.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
Adventurer Tim Severin was fascinated by the illuminated manuscripts that described a journey by the six century monk Brendan, west across the seas from Ireland. The story was considered apocryphal, as sailors will tell you that it would be impossible to sail a small open boat west across the Atlantic due to the prevailing winds and currents. But Tim believed there was a way to do it. He and his small crew set off from the Fareo Islands to prove it.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
Weekdays 10:45 am, as part of The Book Show
Monday 11 August 2008
At the tender age of 8, Lisa achieved her childhood ambition and, wagging school, travelled alone by train from her home in London to Brighton, on the south coast of England. Although not quite as exotic as the Brighton of her imagination, Lisa still became hooked on this means of escape from a troublesome childhood.
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Bush Telegraph
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