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Left for Dead

The Untold Story of the Tragic 1979 Fastnet Race

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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents Left For Dead by Nick Ward & Sinead O'Brien, read by Simon Vance.

The world-famous Fastnet Race takes yachts from the Isle of Wight to the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland and back. The 1979 race began in perfect conditions, but was soon engulfed by the deadliest storm in the history of modern sailing. By the time it passed, the havoc caused was immeasurable, and fifteen sailors had lost their lives.

It had been Nick Ward's childhood ambition to sail in the Fastnet Race, and being asked to join the crew of the 30-foot yacht Grimalkin was a dream come true. But then the storm hit. Grimalkin was capsized again and again. With the skipper lost overboard, after hours of struggle three of the crew decided to abandon the boat for the liferaft. Nick and another crewmember, both unconscious, were left on the beleaguered yacht in the middle of the Irish Sea. Both were presumed dead. Gerry died a few hours later, and Nick was left to face the storm alone.

©2023 Nick Ward and Sinead O'Brien (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Sailing Sailing & Boating Water Sports Sports
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A Brilliantly written and very emotional listen. I was particularly impressed with his wise summing up of why he and Gerry were left and then when looking back his empathy for his crew mates.

I couldn’t stop listening

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One of the most incredible audio books I have ever listened to. His story of survival beside a dead colleague will bring tears to your eyes. His will to live reminded me of joe Simpson in touching the void. A fantastic book.

Remarkable story. Quite incredible.

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Absolutely brilliant description of the storm and his experiences. Best book I’ve listened to in a long time.

Riveting

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Amazing, Brilliant, such a good and extremely powerful story told. Grit, determination for life is outstanding.

Just incredible story from start to finish.

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Great listen, have read this book before but still great to listen to it while working.

Gripping

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