The Ra Expeditions

The first part of the book describes Heyerdahl's research into reed boats in various parts of the world - Northern Africa, the Mediterranean, South America. Then there is the preparation for, and building of Ra. A quick crew selection, and the journey commences, from Safi, in Morocco.
The Journey of Ra is a leaning exercise, and falls only a few hundred miles short of achieving the goal of reaching the Americas - Barbados to be exact. An interlude during the book, presented as a conversation amongst the crew outlines the ‘coincidences' between the isolated cultures of the world as they evolved - in isolation some, Heyerdahl's suggests migration and dispersion, but really only highlights the possibility, and again the ‘coincidence'.
There is also some highlighting of pollution as an issue, particularly oil in the sea, but also plastics etc.
A new boat Ra II, a repeat voyage, this time arriving successful in Barbados.
Taking place in 1969 and 1970, this is an entertaining read, Heyerdahl's voyages precede others who recreate (with accuracy of vessel) historical sea voyages, Tim Severin and the likes.