Mike Nolan grew up in the deprivation of post- war Britain.

As a young man he had a dream that somehow became a reality; to live his life on the high seas to indulge his passion for all things nautical.

Eclectic employment as a musician, a hod carier, butler and boatbuilder meant that Nolan's life never confirmed to a nine to five existence. All the while the call of the sea, like a siren, was impossible to resist.

His life as a sailor, fulfilled his wildest dreams but saw him hit by a series of catastrophes, including hurricanes and a violent shipwreck. On a more positive note, he did at least manage to save both his wife and her cat!

This is a rags to riches story with a sharp sting in its tale.