In the Wake of the Gods

This unique and entertaining travel guide to Greek waters recreates parts of voyages undertaken in myth, anchoring off landmarks or ports associated with ancient legends. It follows the trails of Odysseus, Hercules, and Jason and the Argonauts, as well as visiting the sites where Poseidon lost his trident (off Paxos) and built his temple (on the Saronic Gulf), the cliff where Theseus's father threw himself to his death after fearing his son had been killed by the minotaur, and Troy, the remains of which survive as a reminder of the city that withstood a 10-year siege.

With almost 6,000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece is a maritime nation like no other – and according to its mythology this has been the case since the days when seafarers believed their fortunes, good or ill, lay in the hands of Poseidon. Sailing through these crystal clear waters today is a voyage into history, whether true or legendary.

Retelling all the myths, from the very well-known to the less familiar, In the Wake of the Gods is a cruising companion to be read and enjoyed in its own right. With the author's in depth knowledge of the region, it is also packed with useful and practical pointers for pilotage and passage planning, including information about prevailing winds and anchoring, along with charts and photography.

About the Author

Sam Jefferson is a journalist and maritime historian, and is one of the leading authorities on the clipper ship era. He is Editor of Sailing Today, and writes regularly for Classic Boat and Traditional Boats and Tall Ships. He is the author of Clipper Ships and the Golden Age of Sail, Gordon Bennett and Sea Fever, all published by Adlard Coles Nautical.