A good read over Christmas

[JamesS]

Opinions will differ over what constitutes a 'good read' so let me nominate what is certainly a compelling read inasmuch that you will have a problem putting it down.

'The Strange Voyage of Donald Crowhurst' it's not a new book, first published in 1970 in fact, wriiten by Nicholas Tomalin and Ron Hall and I think I must have read 4 times over the past 30 years and having just revisited it for the 5th time it is just as riveting as before.

It tells of Crowhursts entry in the first single-handed round the world race, The Golden Globe' in the days of Chichester and Rose when those who had sailed around the world single handedly could still be counted on one hand.

Here is the story of a man who in the end really didn't want to go, his plans were flawed, his boat poorly equiped and poor design mean't he needed the full width of The English Channel to make progress when going to windward.

He was also a brave man, an electronic wizard, who managed to design and repair his radio equipment right down to basic component level.

He duped the sailing world into thinking he was sailing non-stop around the world when in reality he spent several months in the South Atlantic sailing around in circles, certainly got as far as The Falklands and even seaked ashore in South America to carry out repairs.

I don't think the book is still in print, but if you can get a copy don't miss the chance.

Cheers

 

[Johnjo]

Think I just have, saves having to buy it!
Used to like reading Brian Callison, A flock of ships was a
good one,
mike

 

[Jeremy_W]

>>>Here is the story of a man who in the end really didn't want to go, his plans were flawed, his boat poorly equiped and poor design mean't he needed the full width of The English Channel to make progress when going to windward.

You're being a little unfair to the Victress design. Nigel Tetley sailed one almost around the world. Had he not been persuaded by the false radio reports that Crowhurst was overtaking, Tetley could have nursed his yacht to the finish line and become the fastest solo circumnavigator.

 

[JamesS]

I hoped I had chosen my words wisely- perhaps not, you will recall that the mast and sail plan were signifficanly altered on Crowhursts boat and this would have significantly altered his windward capability. Added to this there was the bouyancy aid attached to the mast head which would not have helped.

The account in the book confirms the lack of windward ability.

Nothin wrong at all with the original Victress design as Tetley was to proove although as you say the boat did suffer terminal damage on the final weeks of his passage due no doubt to being pressed beyond limits.


Cheers