The tale of the first New Zealander to sail around the world

Looking for a Christmas gift for a boating enthusiast? Marco Polo, by Tony Armit, could be just the thing. It promises to be an incredible read, given it tracks the seafaring experiences of Tony Armit - he who (with a mate, namely Brian “Tig” Loe) were the first New Zealanders to sail around the world.

The three-year excursion started in the mid-1950s and the tale is incredible and exciting given it was far from plain sailing (so many mishaps!). This we glean from an article written by senior writer, Mike White, who tracked down the veteran yachtsman and now author.

Aged 90, Armit is still sailing - sometimes the same stretches of water he covered when he launched his safe-made boat 70 years ago.

“The same seas that seeped through his skin into his soul. The same breezes, fair and fickle, that sometimes still whisper adventure.”

Mike White's article offers a fascinating taste of Armit’s story. Imagine how good the book must be.