Atlantic: The Last Great Race of Princes

by Scott Cookman

Advance praise for ATLANTIC

"Atlantic is a stirring story that illuminates a magical period in our maritime history. Scott Cookman weaves the compelling plot in a manner that will fascinate both the landlubber and the sailor alike. The schooner Atlantic's transatlantic racing record has remained unbeaten for nearly a century-and the story behind the race makes that achievement even more impressive. Cookman has done his homework well and unfolds that story page by page . . . the reader can just about feel the icy lash of a North Atlantic swell crashing aboard as the massive sailing craft are driven toward their destination by men and women whose dreams and goals (and even the pride of their countries) hang in the balance."
-Peter Isler, America's Cup veteran, author of the bestselling Sailing for Dummies, and Editor at Large for Sailing World

"Outstanding. Cookman is equally adept at depicting the gut-wrenching tension of ocean racing; the politics, intrigues, and skullduggery of billionaires, society snobs, and sailors who make Captain Ahab seem the model of restraint; and a gilded, vanished era under the gathering storm clouds of war."
-Neil Hanson, author of The Custom of the Sea

"In 1905, the key to unlocking America's economic potential was swift travel across the Atlantic. Scott Cookman recounts in meticulous detail the fanatical race for maritime supremacy. Scions and captains of industry took the challenge by racing across the ocean."
-Gary Jobson, America's Cup--winning tactician on Ted Turner's Courageous (1977) and ESPN sailing analyst

"Anyone who has ever been to sea, or dreamed of a sailing adventure, will be captivated by this extraordinary seafaring story. It is a perfect balance of history, intrigue, and period personalities that will make your palms sweat as you rush headlong through storm and fog to the finish."
-Rockwell B. Harwood, Commodore, Stamford Yacht Club (1999--2001)

Genres: Nonfiction, History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 2002

Reviews

[dejah_thoris · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like sailing, you will probably like this book more than I did. All the nautical terminology and types of sails was a bit much for me. I was also a bit confused because the book actually covers two ocean races and I thought the story was done when the first one finished. Then the next few chapters seemed a bit random before Cookman reviews all the entries in the second race. I know he had to review them all, but the nautical terminology and measurements were very boring. Fortunately, each entry also has a personal story, which made them slightly easier to remember. The second race is nearly as interesting as the first race, so those parts I liked.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I skimmed some sections of this book, as it was super-dense, and I needed to finish it before book group. But, it was fascinating, detailed, and will be worth a second reading at some point.

I'd like to give it 3 1/2 stars... not because it was bad, but at times I was just weighed down by the amount of sailing detail, some of which I didn't understand. But, the history is fascinating.

[Sarah]

Millionaires race across the ocean for the Kaiser's Cup in 1905--The Great Ocean Race. Harrowing, interesting. Very exciting read! The Atlantic held the record for 100 years.
Billy was in the New York City Yacht Club race across to England that finally broke the record held by Atlantic. It was the 2005 Rolex Transatlantic Challenge. What was the name of Billy's boat?

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my permanent collection. Historically fascinating and a page-turner for anyone who loves sailing.