My Life's Dream Took Me to Sea
by Ronald Epner

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This book tells an engaging story of one man’s self-discovery and his adventures living his life’s dream. It targets three types of readers. The author shares life skills that have led him to a fulfilling, meaningful life. It caters to both the blue-water sailor, providing insights from seventy years of sailing experience, and the armchair sailor eager to imagine the experience of sailing a boat across oceans to distant lands. The life skills that the author has learned and shared have led to a life rich in challenge, fulfillment, and adventure. Anyone who wishes to shape their desired life can comprehend and utilize these skills effectively. These invaluable skills have saved the author’s life several times and may be the most significant gift readers receive from this book. Experienced sailors will gain detailed knowledge of how to avoid common emergencies at sea, discover lesser-known boat maintenance tips, and develop a strategy for surviving a heart attack far from help at sea for several days. The armchair sailor will find answers to many questions regarding long-distance ocean travel and visits to extraordinary islands like Bora Bora, Tahiti, and the Tuamotus archipelago in French Polynesia. This voyage allows readers to vicariously explore islands such as Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, among others. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast, a medical professional, or simply looking for an inspiring read, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom and adventure.

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The author was taught to sail by his father starting at age four. He graduated college as a chemical engineer. He went to work for Esso Research and Engineering Company and helped design petroleum plants. After a few years, he and his new wife chose to move to Mexico to study medicine in Spanish. He graduated from Cornell University Medical College in 1976 and eventually specialized in orthopedic and hand microsurgery. He became interested in personal growth in the late 1980s. At fifty years old, he retired from his orthopedic practice to sail around the world while being available to provide emergency medical care to fellow sailors. He has always been an avid tennis player. In retirement, he devotes his time to studying COVID-19 vaccines, building things, woodworking, cycling, and dabbling in cryptocurrency.

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Contributors

Author

Ronald Epner