Close to the Wind (THORNDIKE PRESS LARGE PRINT NONFICTION SERIES) - Hardcover

Goss, Pete

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0783887523 ISBN 13: 9780783887524

Publisher: G K Hall & Co, 1999

Synopsis

A sailor describes his love of the sea and sailing, his participation in a solo round-the-world race, the hardships and disasters that followed, and his battle to rescue a fellow competitor whose boat sank and still complete the race

About this title

Review

On December 25, 1996, Pete Goss turned his 50-ft yacht Aqua Quorum back into a hurricane- force headwind to rescue French sailor Raphael Dinelli. He risked his life and any chance of winning one of the world's great yachting challenges--the Vendeé Globe non-stop, single- handed, round-the- world race. Instead, he was awarded France's highest honour--the Legion d'Honneur--and an MBE in the 1998 New Year's Honour List.

Close to the Wind is Goss's story. He starts with the years of preparation as a merchant seaman and skipper on one of the 10 yachts in Chay Blyth's British Steel Challenge. He describes how he attempted to get sponsorship but was constantly rebuffed and he discusses the hardships he faced--nights spent sleeping on platforms before business meetings because there was no money to spare for a room. The drama of the Vendee is recounted in detail, down to Goss's having to operate on his elbow without anaesthetic and with the assistance only of faxed instructions. And will he race again? He plans to set off on in a 115-ft catamaran in The Race, December 2000.

Review

CLOSE TO THE WIND - Quotes

'Nothing Ian Fleming wrote has you wondering so anxiously how the hero is going to get out of this pickle' Independent

'Parents, wives and sisters who buy this book for the family daredevil must read it first. It celebrates an ancient, beautiful way of being human.'
Libby Purves in The Times

'This is a wonderful book, a book to make the reader realise that he or she could never be a hero. I recommend it.' Michael Beaumont, Spectator

'More impressive than fiction could ever be . . . compelling' Independent on Sunday

'Goss takes you so vividly on board with him . . . he has a genuine talent for writing tense narrative.' Independent

'The story of a brave man; a man who turned into the teeth of a hurricane to save the life of a fellow competitor in a single-handed round-the-world yacht race. A wonderful book. I recommend it.' Spectator

'Just buy it, you'll love it, a real life adventure story' Royal Yachting Association

'It is far from just a book about the Vendée events, but a soul-bearing autobiography' Western Morning News

'His down-to-earth storytelling is gripping. His modesty is endearing. His dedication to a cause and the manner of achieving it are humbling and inspiring' Cambridge Evening News

About this edition

• Publisher: G K Hall & Co
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0783887523
• ISBN 13: 9780783887524
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352