A SWANAGE grandmother who spent five years circumnavigating the world by yacht has launched a book documenting her epic voyage.

Marilyn Heatley, of The Parade, Swanage, wrote 'Fear And Freedom Crossing The Oceans' after completing the half decade adventure with her partner and two friends.

The grandmother-of-seven told the Daily Echo: "I met Barrie Friend, my partner, in 1999 and subsequently met his sailing friends Richard and Lynne Peperell.

"I found myself included in their plans to circumnavigate the world on their yacht, Lady in White, for five years.

"We decided this was an adventure not to be missed."

Marilyn was in her mid-fifties when she embarked on the round the world voyage in 2004. She decided to quit her job despite having no prior sailing experience.

Marilyn explained: "The other three had small craft experience so I commenced a competent crew sailing course.

"We had a steep learning curve. This book is the result of my seven hand-written journals recorded during the adventure.

"It is written from a female, novice sailor's perspective describing all the ups and downs of life on a yacht."

Highlights of her trip included encounters with giant tortoises on The Galapagos Islands and watching Komodo Dragons in Indonesia.

"Now we spend half our time in Swanage and although no longer sailing we still enjoy living near the sea," Marilyn told the Echo.