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A Race Too Far
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
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A Race Too Far
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Summary
In 1968, the Sunday Times organised the Golden Globe race - an incredible test of endurance never before attempted – a round the world yacht race that must be completed single-handed and non-stop, going into port for repairs or supplies would mean disqualification.
This remarkable challenge inspired the daring to enter – with or without sailing experience. A Race Too Far is the story of how the race unfolded, and how it became a tragedy for many involved.
Of the nine sailors who started the race, four realised the madness of the undertaking and pulled out within weeks. The remaining five each have their own remarkable story. Chay Blyth, fresh from rowing the Atlantic with John Ridgway, had no sailing experience but managed to sail round the Cape of Good Hope before retiring. Nigel Tetley sank whilst in the lead with 1,100 nautical miles to go, surviving but dying in tragic circumstances two years later. Donald Crowhurst began showing signs of mental illness and tried to fake around the world voyage. His boat was discovered adrift in an apparent suicide, but his body was never found. Bernard Moitessier abandoned the race whilst in a strong position and carried on to Tahiti, where he settled and fathered a child by a local woman despite having a wife and family in Paris. Robin Knox-Johnston was the only one to complete the race.
It has undoubtedly become the most legendary of modern stories of men pitting themselves against the sea. Forty years on, Chris Eakin recreates the drama of the epic race, talking to all those touched by the tragedies surrounding the Golden Globe: the survivors, the widows and the children of those who died. It is a book that both evokes the primary wonder of the adventure itself and reflects on what it has come to mean to both those involved and the rest of us in the forty years since.
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What listeners say about A Race Too Far
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- G. Williams
- 18-07-20
Superb
A grippingly well told tale of adventure and endeavour. I could not stop listening.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-01-24
Enthralling True Story
As a yacht sailer myself, this book kept me entertained throughout. At times edge of your seat stuff. Exceptionally well read.
Highly recommended
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mister Peridot
- 27-07-21
Armchair adventure at its best
Brilliant account by author Chris Eakin of this epic sailing adventure. And with Rodska reading the story what more could you want? Splice the main brace, reef the sails, pour yourself a drink & settle in for the adventure of a lifetime!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 24-12-22
Fantastic story
Highly recommend and thoroughly enjoyed. It was great from start to finish with incredible detail.
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- Amazon Customer
- 25-01-23
what a journey!
a brave cast of characters on an epic journey, full of mystery, peril, survival and perish
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- Mr Neil M Hewitt
- 01-09-21
Gripping, compelling and intense.
Just epic, if you love adventure, this story is right up there in terms of greatest feats of endurance and bravery, along with heartbreaking tragedy and loss.
The final chapters are hard to listen to without shedding a tear, particularly for the wives and children directly impacted by the events either directly or indirectly influenced as a result of the Golden Globe race.
It is also long overdue that Nigel Tetley has been rightly recognised for his heroic record setting multihull voyage, something that has been so unjustly overlooked for so long.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 04-10-21
Epic tale of magnificent men
Gripping throughout and brilliant narration.
This is the authoritative record of this often misunderstood event.
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- Mark c
- 21-12-22
A fantastic story
It’s an amazing story told brilliantly!!! Highly recommend to anyone. Not just sailors. But a true story of adventure.
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- JM
- 29-10-23
A really good account
Excellently written and great insight into the characters of most involved. I was cautious as the “Crowhust Story” has been done to death, but Eakin’s narrative is unbiased and insightful on all the characters. (Reaffirming my view of CB!)
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- Jeremy
- 23-05-19
Fabulous
Absolutely loved it, fascinating story well researched and excellently read. Of particular interest to sailors but an awe-inspiring tale of human fortitude
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