Pirsig The Sailor – Now Live

Our previously announced Online RPA Chautauqua took place on Sunday 5th October, with over 20 in attendance to hear Wendy Pirsig and Paul Johnston talk about Robert Pirsig’s time as a sailor on his yacht Areté. Wendy was Bob’s wife and co-pilot on their sailing adventures, from about a year after Bob’s real journey down the Hudson, that forms the fictional narrative backbone of his second book “Lila”, until his death in 2017. Paul is Curator Emeritus at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

People are often surprised to learn that despite his “Zen and the Art” fame for motorcycle maintenance, Bob spent more of his life on the water than on motorbikes. Paul Johnston’s article “If Boat is Going Down” documents his research into Bob’s sailing history and his title is a light-hearted reference to one of Bob’s “lists”. A great read with lots of illustrations.

The recording of the conversations and Q&A – about not only the sailing, but also the writing of “Lila”, mostly while living on the boat with Wendy – are now live on-line on the “A Quality Existence” YouTube channel, so no more spoilers here.

As well as thanks to Wendy and Paul for their time and fascinating recollections, thanks to David Matos (RPA Co-Chair) and Sevilla King (RPA Media) for organising and hosting the event, and to Sevilla for the Zoom and YouTube services. You’ll find several more relevant links under the recording, and all have permanent links via our RPA on-line resources page. Enjoy!

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(Last edited 8th October 2025)

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