THE DANCE OF THE SEA AND THE WIND// INTRODUCTION

Slovenian schoolteacher Barbara Cirman and her
friend Pavle have virtually no experience of sailing
when they decide to invest in a boat. Smitten with
the idea of taking to the water in a vessel of their own,
they buy Maelstrom and, well, the rest is history.
Recounted from Barbara’s log book and diary
entries, this charming book chronicles the pair’s
adventures sailing around the beautiful islands of
the Adriatic over several years at the turn of this
century. The inexperienced sailors have to learn as
they go, often finding themselves battling the
elements in a violently rocking boat. The
Mediterranean winds, from the Bora to the Mistral,
as well as the prospect of simple pleasures –
freshly made fish soup and a cold beer – propel
Barbara and Pavle along. They veer off course, find
themselves on the verge of disaster, but always
somehow find time to write it all down.
The result is an entertaining read for sea lovers or
those or who just want to find out how a pair of
novices rapidly acquire the nautical skills they need
to survive.
Barbara Cirman was born in Ljubljana, the capital city of
Slovenia. She studied at the University of Ljubljana and
became a professor in history and sociology. The Dance of
the Sea and the Wind, first appeared as articles in Slovenian
nautical magazine.
The Dance of the Sea & the Wind
Barbara Cirman