Rex Hauler is hired as a crewman on a sailing yacht off the coast of New England. He has run from city life to recharge his mind with exciting and colorful visions. He is a schoolteacher who has traveled the world in particularly by sea. He loves his wife whom he refers to throughout the story. On the yacht Rex has to deal with being accepted, fatiguing work, and Lori, the first mate, who has designs on him. With the exception of Cindy, the cook, thirteen people interrelate and function cohesively on a ninety-foot schooner. They communicate and cooperate well. Red Honeycutt, the captain, Lori, and Dave demonstrate their talents in classical and popular music. Conflicts affect Cindy, the cook, who is not fully prepared for adventure at sea. Seasickness adds to her crisis. Rex lives through night watches, which are adventures. These and the contemplations include non-fiction, autobiography, philosophy, and essay. At the helm, loving to sail as fast and fancy as he can, he speeds. He errs by not tightening a vang, a line that steadies a gaff. Canada, a helpful guest, unfortunately freezes on the gaff as it swings excessively. Rex explains and shows the need to be heard, to share, and to help. He says man doesn't change at his core. If change is observed it occurs because man's nature includes the potential to change, but his essence hasn't changed. The people rescue a whale. The crew and guests have a friendly, shotgun competition. Rex learns a new sport-Sports Clay Shooting. People communicate very well and have civil, collegial, and cooperative traits, which Rex wishes were more abundant among teachers. If there were to be any change in Rex, he implies he'll try to be less individualistic by catching the ball when his principal throws a job at him. He'll also try to live healthier by reducing alcohol consumption. His negative ways exist because of his excessive need for free expression, exploration, exposition, and introspection. What an excuse! He searches for the perfect wine having experienced a great burgundy. Rex will be heard from again when Red Honeycutt calls him from a yacht in New York Harbor. "Join the group on a clandestine mission?" In the sequel-another escape from the hustle and bustle of life in New York City-Will Rex be less an individual as in this saga? Of course not. Rex observes the juxtaposition and dichotomy of life and death at sea in an enlightening and magnified way not seen on land because society on a boat is different. A climactic turn of events ends the trip. Readers' reactions to Saltwater Run: "I've never read anything like this adventure." "You experience the thrill of life on a sailing yacht." "I didn't know people could be heavily armed on boats." "What man except Rex always thinks about his wife?" "I learned about some of the dangers and responsibilities of yachting." "It's a story for men, especially fishermen and sailors. Yachtsmen will feel at home." "My wife liked it-she's a reader." "I couldn't believe that my wife read it faster than I did! It's in the ship's library."
