What was the attraction in going to sea for the men who chose to do so? Would you have been tempted, in similar circumstances? Have you ever spent an extended period of time on a boat or ship?

What was the attraction in going to sea for the men who chose to do so? Would you have been tempted, in similar circumstances? Have you ever spent an extended period of time on a boat or ship?

Ha! No! I would have stayed safely at home! Too far, too long, too many unknowns. I’m not nearly as brave!

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The attraction, in my opinion, was two-fold. Adventure and riches
No, I would never been attracted to such a dangerous life on the water. I clearly am a “land lubber”.

I cannot imagine life on sea at that time. I think the attraction is that of adventure and the great unknown. The sea has a magical, mystical calling for so many. I love to cruise and am currently on a 16 day voyage headed through the Panama Canal. We have so many ammenities, and reading about these men, i think how did anyone survive!

I’ve never spent any lengthy time on a boat except in very calm waters, so I can’t imagine the challenges which the men in the book faced day after day especially at a time way before technology and advanced science. Part of the attraction at that time seemed to be the hopes of gaining wealth and exploring new territory. I know I wouldn’t be equipped physically or mentally to endure what Grann describes. Definitely not for me!!

The attraction likely was a promised adventure and possibly wealth from a commandeered ship. So many of the crew were so young. Maybe they left home to join the navy because of hardships at home. Many men did not go to sea voluntarily, however. Men were often kidnapped and pressed into service because of lack of sufficient crew. I don’t see myself as wanting to be at sea. I do like adventures but not danger. :slightly_smiling_face: Being at sea in those times was fraught with danger. No thank you.

I think the attraction for the men at that time was adventure and monetary riches.
I would not have been tempted to live on a ship at that time.
However I love to cruise I have in fact did a cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles going around South America. We were very comfortable with delicious dining entertainment and more.

Not only were men attracted by the adventure and riches, but it might have been one of the few options available to second sons, like Byron. And for those who grew up in the lower classes, like Bulkley, it may have been one of the few ways they could have advanced their station in life & improved the lives of their children.

You can barely get me in a kayak for a couple of hours. No way in heck would you find me spending even a single night at sea!

Well I am attracted to adventure and I’m definitely not opposed to gaining fortune but I’m seriously afraid of death by fire or drowning so I might have been tempted but I’m not sure knowing the risk seamen took back then I would have “signed up”. I have never taken a cruise but have spent some time on the ocean in med size boats but only for an hour or two at a time and in comfy seats with tea and scones so my experience on a boat in the ocean , I’m afraid, is Not compare in the least!! Haha!!