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Berserk in the Antarctic - Sailing to the World's Most Untameable Continent: Sailing to the World's Most Uninhabitable Continent
'This is suicide!' Manuel screamed frantically. So begins an amazing true story of a journey to Antarctica in a 27-foot sailing boat. After travelling through South America to Tierra del Fuego, the only continent David had never visited beckoned to him across treacherous waters. Ships booked for scientific expeditions wouldn't take him, and tourist cruises didn't appeal. Then he saw a little boat in the harbour, its name hand-painted in red on the hull: Berserk. Together with a 'crazy Viking' and a down-on-his-luck Argentinian, the author set sail to follow Shackleton's voyage with little idea of the tumultuous storms, mishaps and emergencies that loomed on the journey to the world's coldest and most inaccessible continent. He brilliantly recounts their experience of the huge waves, the bleak darkness and the delicate balance of personalities where a mutiny was always in the air.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2004
5 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 17, 2014
When I read the blurb on this book, I couldn’t believe that someone would actually get into a 27 foot fiberglass sailboat and try to sail the Drake Passage to Antarctica. But that is exactly what these three men did! This book is about their adventure and all the trials and tribulations they experienced, including the mutiny of one of the crew members. I found it a fascinating account of an exciting and unbelievable trip. Mercy does an outstanding job describing all the emotional highs and lows he experienced and what he learned personally from the trip. His descriptions of Antarctica are beautiful and sometimes quite poetic:
“a land of sherbet that you wanted to swallow in your soul”
“Icebergs breathe with a life of their own. On the water they rise up and swallow the sea in
gulps, then crash back down with a white splash, creaking and moaning their ugly roar just like they are alive, like a breathing whale. Every so often they somersault in place, like a dolphin, taking anything in their path with them. And most of all, like Man himself, they will kill without remorse.”
I also enjoyed his connection with all the animals he encountered and his frequent attempts to converse with them. When I was done with the book, I went on youtube and found a couple of clips of him with his sea lions. I was disappointed that it didn’t portray him singing to them like the book described.
All in all, this was a great read. What even made it better was that as I was reading about each of their stops, I went online to find images so that I would have a better visual of where they were. I feel like I had my own little travel adventure with them. It was a 5 star trip for me!
“a land of sherbet that you wanted to swallow in your soul”
“Icebergs breathe with a life of their own. On the water they rise up and swallow the sea in
gulps, then crash back down with a white splash, creaking and moaning their ugly roar just like they are alive, like a breathing whale. Every so often they somersault in place, like a dolphin, taking anything in their path with them. And most of all, like Man himself, they will kill without remorse.”
I also enjoyed his connection with all the animals he encountered and his frequent attempts to converse with them. When I was done with the book, I went on youtube and found a couple of clips of him with his sea lions. I was disappointed that it didn’t portray him singing to them like the book described.
All in all, this was a great read. What even made it better was that as I was reading about each of their stops, I went online to find images so that I would have a better visual of where they were. I feel like I had my own little travel adventure with them. It was a 5 star trip for me!
June 14, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-27-ed...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-27-...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-legen...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-leg...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-27-ed...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-27-...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-legen...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-leg...
February 25, 2017
well written and full of imagery. a crazy notion -- one young captain and two novice sailors take off for Antarctica. kept me interested and longing for adventure...though i would never in a lifetime attempt such a feat! good read.
October 28, 2020
1 star for the writing
3 starts for the pucker factor
3 starts for the pucker factor
November 27, 2021
Very good and thought full read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
Not particularly well written, but essential reading for Albin Vega owners.
March 14, 2022
Fantastic adventure story, well written and evocative yet utterly bonkers tale.
June 16, 2023
A brilliant modern tale of adventure. The descriptions of the Antarctic are vivid and poetic at times, he really brings you along for the journey. If anyone tells you that there are no adventures left in the world, point them to this book!
February 19, 2013
This is another of those books that is much better than you expect it to be!
In 1998, 21 year–old Norwegian Jarle Andhoey and crew sailed a 70’s era fiberglass boat (an Albin Vega) to Antarctica and have been talked about among sailors ever since. The young captain has been called everything from “a crazy Viking“ to reckless, foolish, and irresponsible, but others greatly admire him for his spirit and courage. His boat was small — 27 feet long, about 4500 pounds, and no head (bathroom) — but he sailed it from Norway to Cape Horn (from the top of the world to the bottom), and then through a Force 12 storm (a hurricane) on the way to Antarctica, and then among the icebergs for two months, literally fending them off with his feet. Many would contest his self–appraisal (“Crazy, but not stupid”), but you have to admit, the “crazy Viking” has more spunk and spirit than the total of many tens of thousands of regular people. David Mercy — who did not know how to sail — signed on as crew within ten minutes of meeting Jarle (pronounced “Yar–la”), and then went around the docks scrounging up gloves and appropriate foul–weather gear. He wanted an adventure, and he got it! Through several incidents where he was sure he was about to die, he grew, and the ending of the book is very satisfying.
David Mercy’s writing style fits perfectly with this tale: he vividly describes images of the “South Pole” ocean and the ice, and he efficiently, effectively describes the evolution within himself because of the journey. Of the former, here’s a brief example: “Outside in the cockpit, the world provided a marvelous view: the orange–red–blue glow of the sun as it set on one side of me and rose on the other, simultaneously. The rain stopped, the sky opened, and the evening took on a cool metallic–blue calm. Seabirds fluttered about in the night as the sky kept opening like a flower in bloom, revealing rainbow shades of color never before imagined.”
Oh ya, this is well worth reading!
In 1998, 21 year–old Norwegian Jarle Andhoey and crew sailed a 70’s era fiberglass boat (an Albin Vega) to Antarctica and have been talked about among sailors ever since. The young captain has been called everything from “a crazy Viking“ to reckless, foolish, and irresponsible, but others greatly admire him for his spirit and courage. His boat was small — 27 feet long, about 4500 pounds, and no head (bathroom) — but he sailed it from Norway to Cape Horn (from the top of the world to the bottom), and then through a Force 12 storm (a hurricane) on the way to Antarctica, and then among the icebergs for two months, literally fending them off with his feet. Many would contest his self–appraisal (“Crazy, but not stupid”), but you have to admit, the “crazy Viking” has more spunk and spirit than the total of many tens of thousands of regular people. David Mercy — who did not know how to sail — signed on as crew within ten minutes of meeting Jarle (pronounced “Yar–la”), and then went around the docks scrounging up gloves and appropriate foul–weather gear. He wanted an adventure, and he got it! Through several incidents where he was sure he was about to die, he grew, and the ending of the book is very satisfying.
David Mercy’s writing style fits perfectly with this tale: he vividly describes images of the “South Pole” ocean and the ice, and he efficiently, effectively describes the evolution within himself because of the journey. Of the former, here’s a brief example: “Outside in the cockpit, the world provided a marvelous view: the orange–red–blue glow of the sun as it set on one side of me and rose on the other, simultaneously. The rain stopped, the sky opened, and the evening took on a cool metallic–blue calm. Seabirds fluttered about in the night as the sky kept opening like a flower in bloom, revealing rainbow shades of color never before imagined.”
Oh ya, this is well worth reading!
March 26, 2014
Fascinating memoir by a writer, David Mercy, who had visited 6 of the 7 continents and wanted to find any way he could to get to the last one. He discovers that a young 21-year-old is captain of a small sailboat, planning a trip from the tip of South America to Antarctica. Jarle welcomes him aboard, along with David's friend Manuel. They face many adventures, some interesting and exciting, some political drama (with Manuel), and some just downright dangerous and life-threatening. Most people tell them they are crazy to attempt such a trip in this small and under-equipped vessel, but they are adventurous and David feels that Jarle is an instinctive and gifted sailor. David, having had no prior knowledge of sailing, learns a lot and learns of Jarle's skill and effectiveness as a captain. He and Jarle become like brothers as they face their challenges together. The story is very readable, providing a small snapshot of what it's really like to visit such a cold and forbidding area of the world. It's not just about the nuts and bolts of the trip, but there's a lot of depth, insights into the people intimately involved in the story as well as folks that they meet along the way. This is more than just a physical journey, but a mental and spiritual one as well.
November 2, 2019
One of my favorite books, and one that seems very underrated and not read often. I felt as though I were on the adventure with the lads - I laughed out loud in multiple places but I also felt frustration. This book was one I thought of often after reading it. Now a few years later I'm planning on picking it up again!
August 7, 2008
Hilarious account of a very serious adventure attempt. Definitely worth reading.
August 10, 2012
being an adventurer at heart, this book got me thinking about escaping the 9 - 5.
August 4, 2017
No idea how they didn't die.
August 9, 2016
Great story; well written, and an amazing accomplishment. The lack of correct sailing terminology kind of drove me crazy though.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews