After his career in research, the author and his wife sailed from Edinburgh to the Mediterranean. While over-wintering at Rhodes they decided to go to the Ukraine in 1991, visiting Varna in Bulgaria, Odessa and Yalta. This was the first British boat to visit Yalta since 1919 where they found themselves in the midst of the Gorbachev coup. Cruising was fascinating with an unexpectedly sociable life. Visiting the old Communist bloc was eye-opening. Watching the people grappling with the evident collapse of their leaders and political system was mind-blowing for all concerned. Eric White has written many scientific papers. This is his first product in a different genre.

It has been no less demanding and hugely enjoyable. He continues to sail, including circumnavigating, in his imagination. His daughter Susan in Australia continues sailing in the next generation.