ONCE IS ENOUGH

After reading this dramatic, disaster-strewn account of an intrepid young couple's voyage around South America in a 46 foot ketch, one can never again think of yachting as the casual sport of the idle rich. Sailing from Melbourne, Australia, the Smeetons- aided by a wizard of a carpenter- began their cruise. Their ship was marvelously well fitted out, stocked, and seaworthy- yet it rolled over twice. In spite of these setbacks, they carried on, determined to make a good show of it. Their story combines a narrative derived from their log, plus some helpful advice for other yachtsmen-on everything from actual ship construction to the means of combatting natural and manmade obstacles. The language is full of sailing terms--and Anglicisms. Nevertheless it is a good story and Nevil Shite introduces and sums it up: ""All yachtsmen should read it and be grateful to the valiant people who have dared to chart the limits of their sport.