Left for Dead: The Untold Story of the Tragic 1979 Fastnet Race - Hardcover

Nick Ward; Sinead O'Brien

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0713682817 ISBN 13: 9780713682816

Publisher: A & C Black Publishers, 2007

Synopsis

The Fastnet Race is the world famous yacht race from the Isle of Wight to the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland and back. The race of 1979 began in perfect weather conditions but within 48 hours, the deadliest storm in the history of modern sailing struck off the south coast of Ireland. By the time it had passed, the havoc caused was immeasurable. Even more devastating, it had mercilessly taken the lives of fifteen sailors. It had been Nick Ward's childhood ambition to sail in the Fastnet Race, and after being asked to join the crew aboard the 30-foot yacht Grimalkin it was a dream come true. But then the storm hit. Grimalkin was capsized again and again, the skipper was lost overboard and after hours of struggle, three of the crew decided to abandon the boat for the liferaft. Nick and his fellow crewmember Gerry, both injured and unconscious, were left on the beleaguered yacht in the middle of the Irish Sea. Both were presumed dead, and were taken off the priority list for rescue. Gerry died a few hours later, and Nick was left to face the storm alone. Left for Dead is the tragic and inspirational story of Nick Ward's survival against all the odds. It is the story of an ordinary man who survived an extraordinary event. It was an experience which affected him so deeply that for over 25 years his story has remained untold - until now.

About this title

Review:

`Nick's narrative reels the reader in, just like the storm caught the racers.' -- Tom Walsh, BYM News (July 2007)

'Astonishingly vivid, painstakingly honest and utterly gripping. The story of one man's battle to survive the 1979 Fastnet yacht race which claimed 15 lives. A tour de force.' -- The Financial Times (December 2007)

'a story which is compelling and horrifying in equal measure...a gripping read.' -- The Daily Telegraph (November 2007)

How do you cope with mind-numbing fear, when nightmare turns to reality and you have been left to your fate? The 1979 Fastnet Race claimed 15 lives and it might have been 16. But on his stricken yacht, Nick Ward survived and nearly 30 years later, encouraged by the film-maker Sinead O'Brien, a highly personal and emotional account has emerged. -- The Independent, December 2007

Not your average sporting fare, this tells the harrowing story of the world famous Fastnet Race, one of the most demanding in off-shore racing. -- The Scotsman, December 2007

`Compelling from start to finish. It is a truly gripping read that carries an even greater impact for knowing that the author is sharing with you a story that, until now, was too difficult for him to tell.' -- The Caravan Club Magazine (July 2007)

`Nick's blow-by-blow account of sailing into the eye of a fearsome storm is completely un-put-downable.' -- Yachts and Yachting (27th July 2007)

`Nick's narrative reels the reader in, just like the storm caught the racers.' -- Tom Walsh, BYM News (July 2007)

About the Author:

Nick Ward was born in Hamble, and was taught to sail at the age of four. He has retained his love of sailing throughout his life. Initially a keen dinghy sailor, he worked in the marine trade for most of his career and delivered and raced yachts of all kinds. Nick still lives in Hamble today, with his wife Christine and two children. Sinead O'Brien is an award-winning documentary maker and dramatist. She lives in Dublin with her daughter Eve.

About this edition

• Publisher: A & C Black Publishers
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0713682817
• ISBN 13: 9780713682816
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 186