Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage is brought to life in the story of an adventurer who traveled the world on an epic solo voyage in a 23-foot sailboat in the 1930s. With only his dog, Togo, as a companion, Captain William Crowell overcame the challenges of an unforgiving ocean.

Decades later, his grandson Frank Leaman helped him tell the story of his travels. The Roar of the Sea explores not only his family’s history, but also Nova Scotia’s seafaring heritage. After the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax included Captain Crowell’s solo voyage as part of its permanent Days of Sail exhibit, Frank continued to gather Crowell family history and dig deeper into his grandfather’s life. Together with Allison Lawlor, Frank has created a story that weaves Captain Crowell’s life into his family’s Loyalist roots and personal reflections. The resulting book stands as one grandson’s loving tribute to his grandfather - a daring mariner who saw the end of a golden era of wooden ships and iron men.

Frank Leaman's family has been part of Dartmouth history for over a century. His colourful career includes lumbering, salvage, writing for television and newspapers, and selling antiques. Frank's previous book, The Roar of the Sea, is a fascinating story about his grandfather's seafaring experiences.

Frank Leaman's profile page