Fastnet Force 10 Rei: The Deadliest Storm in the History of Modern Sailing - Softcover

Rousmaniere, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0393308650 ISBN 13: 9780393308655

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 1993

Synopsis

It began in fine weather, then suddenly became a terrifying ordeal. A Force 10, sixty-knot storm swept across the North Atlantic with a speed that confounded forecasters, slamming into the fleet with epic fury. For twenty hours, 2,500 men and women were smashed by forty-foot breaking waves, while rescue helicopters and lifeboats struggled to save them. By the time the race was over, fifteen people had died, twenty-four crews had abandoned ship, five yachts had sunk, 136 sailors had been rescued, and only 85 boats had finished the race. John Rousmaniere was there, and he tells the tragic story of the greatest disaster in the history of yachting as only one who has sailed through the teeth of a killer storm can. With a new introduction by the author.

About this title

Review:

John Rousmaniere's gripping account of that calamitous race is a must-read for anyone thinking about sailing offshore. This richly detailed account provides inspiration for all sailors to thoroughly prepare and use good sense at sea.--Gary Jobson, ESPN sailing commentator

Synopsis:

In August 1979, the 600-mile Fastnet Race, which began in fine weather off the Irish coast, became, for the men and women sailing it, a terrifying ordeal. A Force 10, 60-knot storm swept across the Atlantic, with a speed that confounded weathermen, into the fleet of 303 boats. For 24 hours, over 2500 men and women were smashed by 40-foot breaking waves. John Rousmaniere, who was there, tells the story of this great disaster in the history of yachting.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0393308650
• ISBN 13: 9780393308655
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304