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Book Cover for: Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea Gypsy Woman, Jackie S. Parry

Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea Gypsy Woman

Jackie S. Parry

Jackie ran away to the other side of the world cradling a heart-wrenching bereavement.

Facing a new culture, new husband, and no friends, she began living life as a cruiser with zero knowledge of boats.

Crashing within the first twenty-four hours, Jackie realised life would never be the same again. A floating home with no fridge or hot water; with a dinghy instead of a car. Suffering self-doubts she became fearful of her new world.

The first storm battered her physically and mentally but amid the raging seas Jackie began to shed the fear she'd been harbouring while trying to untangle the emotions of losing one man and (literally) falling head over heels with another.

She had lost a lot, and gained so much more; most importantly, Jackie found herself and a lifestyle few achieve.


Sitting in an office Australia after running away from London after Martin died, I realised I could be anyone in the world. It was all the same, grey walls, buzzing phones, suited personal. I hated it. I rang Noel, 'I am resigning, let's go buy a boat!'

Book Details

  • Publisher: Sistership Training
  • Publish Date: Aug 31st, 2024
  • Pages: 368
  • Language: English
  • Edition: Black & White - 0002
  • Dimensions: 8.27in - 5.83in - 1.00in - 0.97lb
  • EAN: 9780987551535
  • Categories: Water Sports - SailingAdventurers & ExplorersSpecial Interest - Adventure

About the Author

Parry, Jackie S.: - "Jackie returned to Australia after exploring the French canals on a Dutch barge with her Australian husband.Originally from the UK, Jackie is now an adopted Australian. She grew up with horses in the UK until her world was shattered with a heartbreaking bereavement. Disillusioned with life, she ran away to Australia and met and married Noel (within just a few months!). They decided to buy a boat and set sail. So within her first year living in a foreign land, she was getting used to a foreign husband and a foreign life on board!Mariah II took Jackie & Noel around the world. Pyewacket II (purchased in San Francisco) took them across the Pacific Ocean for a second time on a more southerly route. Adventures include The Great Loop in the USA plus Canada's Great Lakes and the French Canals.Between boats they adopted 5 standardbred horses and set off into the Australian bush with just the horses and their gear on their backs... "an extraordinary experience."Their last boat was a motorboat - a long story (well a short one really) but keep following to see what new plans they have!Jackie & Noel spent three years on a 1920s Dutch Bunker barge, which they completely renovated while exploring France and Belgium.As a commercial captain Jackie has worked internationally, and has been a Marine Rescue skipper. She has also taught commercial maritime. She co-wrote a pilot book (in America) and several hundred magazine articles worldwide. Cruisers' AA (accumulated acumen) was Jackie (and Noel's) first self-published book. She now runs her own training company for recreational and commercial boaters, called SisterShip Training."