Force of Nature

· Penguin UK
6 reviews
Ebook
320
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

In January 1969, aboard his home-built wooden boat Suhaili, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person every to sail solo, non-stop around the world. 25 years later, Sir Robin again completed a record-breaking circumnavigation, co-skippering Enza with Kiwi yachting legend Sir Peter Blake. His place in sailing's pantheon of greats was assured.

Then, after the tragic death of his wife Sue, Sir Robin decided he would try again. in October 2006, at the age of 67 - when most people are settling in to a well-earned retirement - Sir Robin embarked on another gruelling single-handed race around the world. Compared to his rivals he lacked recent experience and a large shore-based support team.

There were some who believed that this time he might have bitten off more than he could chew.

Then early on, it looked like their worst fears might be realised. Within days of setting off, near-Hurricane-strength storms in the Bay of Biscay capsized his 60' yacht Saga Insurance. But it wasn't just Sir Robin who suffered. Three-quarters of the entire fleet had to run for shelter. When they re-emerged, all faced months of hardship and intensity ahead.

Force of Nature is Sir Robin's first-hand account his extraordinary return to the ultra-competitive, punishing world of single-handed offshore racing. It turned out to be a very different journey to the one he undertook about Suhaili, yet his experience aboard her remains a touchstone throughout this story.

It's a story of courage, ingenuity and resilience played out against the World's oceans. But most of all it's a powerful reminder that age is nothing but a number; no barrier to realizing one's dreams.

In January 1969, aboard his home-built wooden boat Suhaili, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person every to sail solo, non-stop around the world. 25 years later, Sir Robin again completed a record-breaking circumnavigation, co-skippering Enza with Kiwi yachting legend Sir Peter Blake. Hi...

Discover more

Ratings and reviews

6 reviews
Ryan Saville
December 31, 2016
Great detail about life at sea from a remarkable adventurer
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Robin Knox-Johnston entered the Merchant Navy at the age of 17, obtaining his Master's Certificate 8 years later. Of the 9 starters in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968, he was the only one to complete the voyage after 312 days alone at sea and win the trophy for the first single-handed, non-stop circumnavigation. Since then he has participated in many ocean races including the Whitbread, and in 1994 co-skippered Enza with Si Peter Blake to set a new record for circumnavigation. He has been UK Yachtsman of the Year twice, International Yachtsman of the Year in 1995, and was knighted in 1995.
Robin Knox-Johnston entered the Merchant Navy at the age of 17, obtaining his Master's Certificate 8 years later. Of the 9 starters in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968, he was the only one to complete the voyage after 312 days alone at sea and win the trophy for the first single-handed,...

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.