In the late 1990s, Hollywood was abuzz with the possibility of a film adaptation of Patrick O'Brian's bestselling Aubrey-Maturin series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. In the twilight of the 1990s, the film industry was abuzz with the potential adaptation of Patrick O'Brian's renowned "Aubrey–Maturin series," a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. The casting of Hollywood heavyweights Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany set the stage, but the challenge lay in finding the perfect ship to represent the iconic HMS Surprise. The solution was found in the Rose, a stunning replica of an 18th-century vessel, anchored in Newport, Rhode Island.

Yet, a significant challenge loomed. The filming was slated for Southern California, a vast distance from the Rose's mooring. Enter the young and skilled Will Sofrin, a wooden-boat builder and yacht racer, who took on the role of the ship's carpenter. With a diverse crew of thirty, they embarked on a journey that would challenge their skills and determination.

"All Hands on Deck," Sofrin's memoir, delves deep into this adventure, from mastering age-old sailing techniques to facing nature's fury in the form of treacherous storms. The journey of the Rose is not just a tale of a ship sailing across waters, but also a story of camaraderie, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. For fans of the "Master and Commander" film and O'Brian's novels, this memoir offers a riveting behind-the-scenes look into a voyage that mirrored the adventures of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin.

Check out the book at Will Sofrin

Merrill Charette

NauticEd - The Standard In Boating

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