Capt. Irving Johnson, author and well-known mariner who chose the sea over a farm life in South Hadley, had just completed his seventh -- and last -- sailing trip around the world.
Johnson sailed his 95-foot brigantine Yankee into the port of Gloucester, Mass in 1958 after an 18-month, 48,000-mile trip with 21 passengers. They had paid $5,000 each.
The trip was highlighted by a romance, the discovery of an anchor which may be from the famous Bounty near Pitcairn Island, and what Johnson termed a veritable Shangri-La.
The 53-year-old skipper said the Shangri-La was in the Marquesas Islands. He described it as "the cutest valley you ever saw protected by sheer solid rock which made the harbor dangerous and discouraging to enter."
Johnson said an anchor purportedly from the Bounty was returned to Pitcairn Island. It will be kept with other relics from the famous English vessel.
After seven circumnavigations of 18-months each, the Johnsons have sold their vessel to Reed Whitney of Wilmette, Ill, a former Navy commander. Whitney planned to continue the global voyages.
From the archives of the Saltwater People Historical Society.
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