I haven't written much on this blog for the last few days because I've been stuck in a book called A Voyage for Madmen by Peter Nichols. It's about the first round the world singlehanded nonstop yacht race. Normally I find these endurance type books are quite depressing and tedious but this one is very different. The 1968 Golden Globe race is an extraordinary story and this author has turned it into compelling reading. Once again Non fiction proves to be stranger and more interesting than fiction....you couldn't make this stuff up. This has shot straight into my "best books I've ever read" category. Back then there were no GPS, Sat phones or electronic chartplotters. A ten month journey alone and unassisted through the ferocious Southern ocean and around the fearsome Cape Horn was thought to be beyond the capabilities of most small boats and their captains. In fact, many claimed that it wasn't even possible. It's all the more remarkable when you think that singlehanded round the world yacht trips are now so routine that teenage girls can do them. You don't have to be a sailor or even interested in sailing to understand and enjoy this book as it's a story of human drama. Next time you are at the library, check it out! If you can't be bothered with reading, the film documentary Deep Water which was based on the book, can be found on You tube. While it focuses more on the haunting tale of Donald Crowhurst, it still gives a great account of the race and and the stories of the other competitors. If you have an hour or so to spare I thoroughly recommend it. Its a lot better than the mindless garbage you will see on TV these days.
Sounds like an interesting read and about a topic I would like to try (sailing around the world). These days anyone can do it even though it is still quite difficult and dangerous with modern equipment. Imagine how hard it must have been in the day.
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