Anna-Ambrogio grew up loving the sea and sailing, and nothing would please her more than being able to become a merchant seaman. However, it is the early 1960s, and women are not welcome either at sea or at the various marine academies that train youngsters for oceangoing careers. She has one supporter in her quest, a broad-minded and well-experienced sailor named Leo. With his encouragement, she batters down the men-only barriers at the merchant-marine academy, and through the force of her determination and persistence she manages to overcome the ingrained prejudices of her instructors and classmates to graduate. Afterwards, in Lisbon, she finds that even with her new credentials, overcoming the prejudices of potential employers is not simply a matter of determination and persistence, but then her old mentor comes to her assistance here, as well.
by Clarke Fountain
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