One of Britain's greatest living sailors shares a collection of distilled wisdom, acute observation and fascinating anecdotes.
This book is a collection of provoking, insightful and perceptive pieces of writing by Knox-Johnston. His forthright and compelling views are based on a wealth of experience. The spotlight of his steely gaze falls upon the great ocean races and the brave men and women who compete in them. He considers the lessons of seamanship he learned over hundreds of thousands of miles at sea and he looks ahead, considering the future of sailing for racing and cruising yachtsmen.
This will entertain and inform in equal measure. A comprehensive index makes this a useful work of reference as well as a wonderful title which can be dipped into at leisure.
Autorentext
Robin Knox-Johnston rose to fame in 1969 when he became the first person to sail non-stop and solo around the world. In an illustrious sailing career he has also set records for the fastest circumnavigation and last raced solo round the world in 2007, aged 68. He was knighted in 1995.
Inhalt
Foreword (Andrew Bray).
Preface.
Part One: Going Places.
The Devil You Know.
Together Across the Pond.
Scotland the Magnificent.
Any Plans for the Summer?
Meat Soup in Iceland.
The Bane of Biscay.
It's Not Cricket!
Part Two: Sailing Solo.
Suhaili Retires.
30 Years On.
All Things Being Equal.
Never Too Old to Go Solo.
Netted!
Mad Adventure.
Joy of the Solo Sailor.
Part Three: Safety at Sea.
Steering Sense.
A Stern Lesson.
Small Steps to Disaster.
Safety Behind Closed Doors.
The Troubles of 'Ivan the Terrible'.
Energy to Survive.
One Hand for the Ship.
Man Overboard.
Part Four: Life on Board.
Reflections on a Record.
Night Terrors.
Prose for Posterity a Log for Life.
Wide Open Spaces.
Rough Treatment.
A Fine Balance.
Sewing Lessons.
Preserved in Salt.
Ready or Knot?
Anchors Aweigh.
Food for Thought.
Keeping the Peace.
Part Five: Ocean Rescue.
To Go or Not to Go?
Price of Rescue.
Doctor on Call.
Escape from the Perfect Storm.
Part Six: The Southern Ocean.
Life in the Fast Lane.
Call of the South.
Round the Horn in a Day.
Part Seven: Sailing and the Wider World
Sailing and the Media.
View from the Bridge.
Just for Kicks.
Men Behaving Badly.
Battle of the Books.
Safe to Set Sail?
Medals and the Media.
Elf and Safety.
Knittles and Bomkins.
Part Eight: Hazards of the Oceans.
ENZA's UFO.
Shades of the Titanic?
Tale of the Whales.
A Close Shave.
Thar She Blows!
Waves that Devour Ships.
Part Nine: The Changing Face of Sailing.
Going the Distance.
Escape to the Water.
The Last Lighthouse Keeper.
Casting Clouds.
A Sea of Rubbish.
Index.