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Taking On The World
Taking on the World
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 14, 2014
Who is this Dame Ellen MacArthur? In 2001 'she raced single-handedly non-stop around the world in the Vendée Globe when only 24 years old... second in one of the hardest races in offshore sailing... Prior to her Vendée success, she won the solo transatlantic race from the UK to the USA and went on to win the Route du Rhum from France to the Caribbean in 2002.'
She departed 'from Falmouth, UK in 2004 on board the 75ft trimaran B&Q... and returned 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, 33 seconds later, having sailed over 26,000 miles to become the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe single-handed.
She was knighted by the Queen in 2005 and has received the Legion d'Honneur from French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.' (from the Ellen MacArthur Official Website bio)
Topics Covered: Ellen begins with family life at 4 years old and moves on in great detail from there. Every early sailing step she ever made takes up the first half of the book.
Getting into her prep for the Vendée Globe and her description of actually sailing it lasts for most of the rest of the tome.
Her win in the Route du Rhum from France to the Caribbean in 2002 is tacked on in just a few pages at the end.
The Best Part: MacArthur's drive to get sailing from pretty much day one in her life is very clear. Her dedication and indeed determination over decades is amazing.
Her life is told with great honesty and poignancy, covering not just her many successes, but also her failures (for example, her failure to get into vet school). It gives a bright picture of an outstanding young woman driven towards her goals and it was great to see her achieve them.
Best part about this book? I was on the edge of my seat every time she described having to climb the mast under terrifying Antarctic conditions and was vastly relieved every time she made it safely back down to the deck.
I had no clue what conditions in extreme solo racing were really like when I picked up this book. I am sure that reading about it doesn't come close to actually living it - but it certainly paints a vivid picture.
And I learned that while I admire such daring exploits - when I head off on my own long term sailing adventures, I will certainly be heading straight for warmer climes!
Wishes: Hmm. She repeatedly gives thanks to the support teams that made her achievements possible. But in a vague and general way. I would have liked to hear about more specific support team incidents (builders, mechanics etc) and how these fed into the final outcome.
One began to get the uneasy feeling that these thank yous were perfunctory and added in as an afterthought. This is more true at the beginning of the book and less true at the end. Somehow Clare Francis' descriptions of this aspect of racing in Come Hell or High Water seemed a lot more personal and believable.
Conclusion: Inspirational. Glad I bought it. I'll pass it on - it's good to spread inspiration around.
She departed 'from Falmouth, UK in 2004 on board the 75ft trimaran B&Q... and returned 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, 33 seconds later, having sailed over 26,000 miles to become the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe single-handed.
She was knighted by the Queen in 2005 and has received the Legion d'Honneur from French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.' (from the Ellen MacArthur Official Website bio)
Topics Covered: Ellen begins with family life at 4 years old and moves on in great detail from there. Every early sailing step she ever made takes up the first half of the book.
Getting into her prep for the Vendée Globe and her description of actually sailing it lasts for most of the rest of the tome.
Her win in the Route du Rhum from France to the Caribbean in 2002 is tacked on in just a few pages at the end.
The Best Part: MacArthur's drive to get sailing from pretty much day one in her life is very clear. Her dedication and indeed determination over decades is amazing.
Her life is told with great honesty and poignancy, covering not just her many successes, but also her failures (for example, her failure to get into vet school). It gives a bright picture of an outstanding young woman driven towards her goals and it was great to see her achieve them.
Best part about this book? I was on the edge of my seat every time she described having to climb the mast under terrifying Antarctic conditions and was vastly relieved every time she made it safely back down to the deck.
I had no clue what conditions in extreme solo racing were really like when I picked up this book. I am sure that reading about it doesn't come close to actually living it - but it certainly paints a vivid picture.
And I learned that while I admire such daring exploits - when I head off on my own long term sailing adventures, I will certainly be heading straight for warmer climes!
Wishes: Hmm. She repeatedly gives thanks to the support teams that made her achievements possible. But in a vague and general way. I would have liked to hear about more specific support team incidents (builders, mechanics etc) and how these fed into the final outcome.
One began to get the uneasy feeling that these thank yous were perfunctory and added in as an afterthought. This is more true at the beginning of the book and less true at the end. Somehow Clare Francis' descriptions of this aspect of racing in Come Hell or High Water seemed a lot more personal and believable.
Conclusion: Inspirational. Glad I bought it. I'll pass it on - it's good to spread inspiration around.
August 20, 2009
Ellen is pretty amazing. The more you read the more you realise that the sport is very like motor racing at its high levels. Ability is nothing compared to the fight to get a seat in a good car. In this case scraping together the funds to get a boat and the entrance fees to races are key. Ellen is so lucky, time and time again, her undoubted abilities as a sailor would have come to naught without the help of so many people and coincidences of money arriving at just the right moments and her own indomitable will to keep on fighting on while pretty much living on nothing.
Since Ellen wrote this book herself you have to give her credit for mentioning her various boyfriends, nearly all of whom help her at critical times and then get ditched if they a) need any emotional support themselves, or b) are not 100% interested in her goals or c) cannot any longer push her career. Most of them don't seem to mind too much and you have to be impressed at the single-mindedness of it all. The pressure is intense too and you have to be relieved that she doesn't crack up from it, as it seems she might in a couple of places.
The sailing is really tough too! Not like Dinghy's!
Since Ellen wrote this book herself you have to give her credit for mentioning her various boyfriends, nearly all of whom help her at critical times and then get ditched if they a) need any emotional support themselves, or b) are not 100% interested in her goals or c) cannot any longer push her career. Most of them don't seem to mind too much and you have to be impressed at the single-mindedness of it all. The pressure is intense too and you have to be relieved that she doesn't crack up from it, as it seems she might in a couple of places.
The sailing is really tough too! Not like Dinghy's!
December 30, 2012
An inspiring book by an extraordinary woman. This is a book about a girl who saved her school dinner money for years in order to buy herself a boat; who sailed single-handed around Britain while a teenager; and who through sheer determination got herself into the position where she could become the youngest person to complete the Vendée Globe singlehanded around the world yacht race.
At the time the book was written, the Vendée Globe was the natural climax of her life so far, and it is a shame that the understandable delay in finishing the book led her to add a little more in afterwards, but that is a minor criticism and it is a real rollercoaster of a read. In comparison with Sir Francis Chichester's book of his early exploits, there is a lot more emotion here, and it makes for a more interesting and captivating read.
At the time the book was written, the Vendée Globe was the natural climax of her life so far, and it is a shame that the understandable delay in finishing the book led her to add a little more in afterwards, but that is a minor criticism and it is a real rollercoaster of a read. In comparison with Sir Francis Chichester's book of his early exploits, there is a lot more emotion here, and it makes for a more interesting and captivating read.
February 12, 2022
This is a great book let down by poor editing and slightly chaotic content! However it’s inspiring stuff. Ellen comes across as the sailing version of Joan of Arc, she truly feels she was born to sail and this very much comes across. Her determination and spirit is incredible. One of my favourite moments was actually not about sailing, but about how much she is inspired by her Nan who graduated at age 82 at Derby University. What a lady! Her nan was ever positive, refused to be daunted and made her own path. Brilliant photo of her in her graduation gown and a lovely quote given by Ellen st the end ‘As Nan said, ‘life holds a lot of treasure’ I’ve made a promise to myself never to forget that’
April 2, 2020
An awesome woman. True grit. Amazing ambition. True dedication. Real passion. An inspiration. A heroine.
June 15, 2024
A wonderful read, a memoir about the build up to her sail around the world in a race at the age of 24. Honestly can’t get over the level of commitment and grit and sacrifice from herself and those around her. My only complaint is that as she states the book assumes a base level of sailing knowledge (admittedly with a glossary in the back I never read) the lengthy sailing descriptions were clearly not written for someone with no clue, and so I raced through the last bit. But all round super fascinating and truly impressive!!
July 11, 2019
"Goals are just dreams with a deadline."
Ellen MacArthur is different from other sailors and so it follows that this autobiographical tale is different from other such novels. MacArthur was born and brought up in landlocked Derbyshire but from the age of four was determined to go to sea. This book rather than concentrate on MacArthur's 2000-01 Vendée Globe non-stop circumnavigation of the world but instead centres on the obsessive drive that got her from taking a dinghy out on lakes to sailing a multi-million pound machine single-handedly around the globe.
You don't have to be a sailor to enjoy this book. Yes there are plenty of sailing terms (with a handy glossary) but there are no lengthy paragraphs about waves, winds and sunsets but what shines through on every page is what makes her stand out in a world that is very much a man's sport. Her sheer single-minded force of will.
In parts this is a heart-warming tale of girl done good but long sections about MacArthur's search for sponsorship and credibility suggests that simple pluck alone isn't enough to get you to the starting line these days in what is still a pretty rarefied sport which is a little depressing.
Rather uniquely this book isn't ghost-written but is words are MacArthur's alone. The prose is straightforward and she is frank about her life, her emotions, her frustrations and the loneliness that comes with command and no support. Nor does it end with her triumphant second-placed finish in the Vendée Globe, but details the storm of fame that followed in its wake.
"I found it difficult to cope with the recognition that followed the Vendée... One night... I snapped, so distressed that I began punching the stairs and crying with sheer frustration. My life was out of control, and at that moment there seemed nothing I could do about it."
This is the story about one woman's obsession, the battle with the elements, the labyrinthine world of corporate sponsorship and with oneself and any reader who isn't left full of admiration for this woman is a hard hearted one indeed.
Ellen MacArthur is different from other sailors and so it follows that this autobiographical tale is different from other such novels. MacArthur was born and brought up in landlocked Derbyshire but from the age of four was determined to go to sea. This book rather than concentrate on MacArthur's 2000-01 Vendée Globe non-stop circumnavigation of the world but instead centres on the obsessive drive that got her from taking a dinghy out on lakes to sailing a multi-million pound machine single-handedly around the globe.
You don't have to be a sailor to enjoy this book. Yes there are plenty of sailing terms (with a handy glossary) but there are no lengthy paragraphs about waves, winds and sunsets but what shines through on every page is what makes her stand out in a world that is very much a man's sport. Her sheer single-minded force of will.
In parts this is a heart-warming tale of girl done good but long sections about MacArthur's search for sponsorship and credibility suggests that simple pluck alone isn't enough to get you to the starting line these days in what is still a pretty rarefied sport which is a little depressing.
Rather uniquely this book isn't ghost-written but is words are MacArthur's alone. The prose is straightforward and she is frank about her life, her emotions, her frustrations and the loneliness that comes with command and no support. Nor does it end with her triumphant second-placed finish in the Vendée Globe, but details the storm of fame that followed in its wake.
"I found it difficult to cope with the recognition that followed the Vendée... One night... I snapped, so distressed that I began punching the stairs and crying with sheer frustration. My life was out of control, and at that moment there seemed nothing I could do about it."
This is the story about one woman's obsession, the battle with the elements, the labyrinthine world of corporate sponsorship and with oneself and any reader who isn't left full of admiration for this woman is a hard hearted one indeed.
June 12, 2011
I doubt I would have picked up this autobiography were it not for a couple of pretty slight connections. Some years ago I made the acquaintance, in less happy circumstances, of Ellen's Aunt Thea who introduced her to sailing, and I have now moved to the area and my children attend the same school that she did. I can think of worse famous alumni!
I have very little interest in or knowledge of sailing, other than second hand, for all that sailing, if you have the money, seems to have greater merit as a sporting activity than many. However, I was like Ellen captivated by Swallows and Amazons whereas this book despite describing the great moments of peace and oneness with the forces of nature did not generate a flicker of aspiration. I was interested in all the different skills required and how much repair and maintenance is needed - all that sewing and mucking about with fibre glass!
She seems to be a pretty remarkable individual, even for the rather splendid family and upbringing she enjoyed,and there is a freshness, a naivety about her writing. It can feel a bit like being on an ocean of peaks and troughs, all a bit intense emotionally, but perhaps that is just how it is for her. Obviously, it's her own book and there may be other versions but despite plenty of cynical capacity on my part checking closely between the lines I could only see a remarkably functional human being, even given the level of focus required to pursue her goals at this point in her life. I found it all refreshing amongst the mire of celebrity.
I have very little interest in or knowledge of sailing, other than second hand, for all that sailing, if you have the money, seems to have greater merit as a sporting activity than many. However, I was like Ellen captivated by Swallows and Amazons whereas this book despite describing the great moments of peace and oneness with the forces of nature did not generate a flicker of aspiration. I was interested in all the different skills required and how much repair and maintenance is needed - all that sewing and mucking about with fibre glass!
She seems to be a pretty remarkable individual, even for the rather splendid family and upbringing she enjoyed,and there is a freshness, a naivety about her writing. It can feel a bit like being on an ocean of peaks and troughs, all a bit intense emotionally, but perhaps that is just how it is for her. Obviously, it's her own book and there may be other versions but despite plenty of cynical capacity on my part checking closely between the lines I could only see a remarkably functional human being, even given the level of focus required to pursue her goals at this point in her life. I found it all refreshing amongst the mire of celebrity.
January 1, 2022
I'm not altogether sure about "Taking on the World," which focuses on the early life of Ellen MacArthur, the English yachtswoman. It finishes when she's 26.
The book details her life, how she fell in love with the sea, her drift into single-handed racing, and her success in the races she entered.
Don't get me wrong, the book's thorough. You'll really understand her life after it's read, it's just that beyond her Vendée Globe success, I'm not sure that she had much to say beyond her scrabbling round for sponsorship money to sail.
As an example, when she was 17 she won a sort of British "Young Yachtsman of the Year." If you'd asked me before I read the book, I'd have said I didn't know why she won it. Having read the book, I'm not the wiser. She admitted as much herself. The people she was up against had won this or that competition. So far as I can tell, she was just excitable about racing and went on a lot of sailing courses. Hardly a ringing endorsement for British sailing.
The other thing that struck me during the book was how much she didn't know, even in the run up to her big race. I mean she's a sailor, and she seem to have difficulty interpreting where to find the best winds, which just irritated me.
Don't get me wrong. I have respect for her, but this book lessened her in my eyes if I'm honest. This might make me a little unpopular I think (as she's popular in some quarters), but the more I think about it, the more convinced I am that I'm right about this.
The book details her life, how she fell in love with the sea, her drift into single-handed racing, and her success in the races she entered.
Don't get me wrong, the book's thorough. You'll really understand her life after it's read, it's just that beyond her Vendée Globe success, I'm not sure that she had much to say beyond her scrabbling round for sponsorship money to sail.
As an example, when she was 17 she won a sort of British "Young Yachtsman of the Year." If you'd asked me before I read the book, I'd have said I didn't know why she won it. Having read the book, I'm not the wiser. She admitted as much herself. The people she was up against had won this or that competition. So far as I can tell, she was just excitable about racing and went on a lot of sailing courses. Hardly a ringing endorsement for British sailing.
The other thing that struck me during the book was how much she didn't know, even in the run up to her big race. I mean she's a sailor, and she seem to have difficulty interpreting where to find the best winds, which just irritated me.
Don't get me wrong. I have respect for her, but this book lessened her in my eyes if I'm honest. This might make me a little unpopular I think (as she's popular in some quarters), but the more I think about it, the more convinced I am that I'm right about this.
April 6, 2021
wanted to give this a 3.5 really but was not an option and 3 is definitely too low! Because I did enjoy this very much, especially being immersed in the sailing world - something I've only dabbled in - and learning about just how insane competitive sailing really is. Ellen MacArthur is mighty impressive, honestly I don't know how she does it from the stories she tells, I get nervous when a boat heels more than the minimum and here she is being thrown about left right and centre and dodging ice bergs! The only reason I didn't give it higher and maybe this is harsh as she is a good writer but I struggled to really get into the perspective she tells her story from sometimes. The strongests parts are when she is out sailing but the bits in-between, the fundraising, the talks etc. which I know are important parts of her life but I just found them less engaging and a lot of information compacted in. Overall though a good read and there is no getting past how incredible and inspirational this woman is - it's made me want to get out sailing again!
June 18, 2021
What an incredible lady, a real story of tenacity, adventure and emotion. A remarkable tale of how small beginnings turned into a burning passion, a real inspiration for how to learn, and how to trust your own instincts. My heart went out to her family who encouraged and supported such youthful enthusiasm when it must have been incredibly scary at times. The way Ellen describes her crossings with a wonderful vulnerability and honesty gives a real roller-coaster ride that at times makes your heart skip a beat and race along with the Kingfisher, and at others rellish in the calm sunsets and nature that accompanies her along the way.
The willingness at which Ellen was always prepared to start at the bottom and constantly learn from those around her was humbling.
I knew little of sailing and sometimes the terminology lost me but the excitement and emotion never did. A truely fantastic book.
The willingness at which Ellen was always prepared to start at the bottom and constantly learn from those around her was humbling.
I knew little of sailing and sometimes the terminology lost me but the excitement and emotion never did. A truely fantastic book.
July 16, 2021
We listened to the audiobook of Ellen's personal sailing journey whilst driving to and from Devon on several trips after completing the RYA Sailing L1 qualification.
I found it moving, inspirational, sweet, and also sometimes unfathomable - Ellen decides at an insanely young age that sailing is for her, and she pursues this passion with a single-minded, dogged focus. I admired this attitude that has enabled her to become the very top of her sport, but I also found it very alien - there are *so* many things that I want to do and experience in life, and I can't imagine dedicating so much of my life to just one thing. It was really interesting to hear the point of view to someone so different from me, and reminded me what a rich tapestry humanity is.
I found it moving, inspirational, sweet, and also sometimes unfathomable - Ellen decides at an insanely young age that sailing is for her, and she pursues this passion with a single-minded, dogged focus. I admired this attitude that has enabled her to become the very top of her sport, but I also found it very alien - there are *so* many things that I want to do and experience in life, and I can't imagine dedicating so much of my life to just one thing. It was really interesting to hear the point of view to someone so different from me, and reminded me what a rich tapestry humanity is.
January 30, 2009
I loved this book for the heart that Macarthur put into it, but parts of it seemed to drone on. Being a writer, I know how hard it can be to put so much of yourself onto the page for others to see, but Macarthur does it with confidence, grace, and charm. I also read this book while backpacking through Ireland and Germany, and I think that my own adventures at the time added a lot to the adventurous tone of the book. I would recommend that this book be read while traveling or while planning a trip. Don't be afraid to bring your own experience into it.
January 19, 2008
I followed this race in 2000-2001 and couldn't wait to be updated each day for 3 months as the drama unfolded.
Ellen is not a professional writer but has done a nice job talking about her life, experiences and preparation to race. Her descriptions of what she went through during the race, both emotionally and physically, are mesmerizing.
Ellen is not a professional writer but has done a nice job talking about her life, experiences and preparation to race. Her descriptions of what she went through during the race, both emotionally and physically, are mesmerizing.
July 29, 2015
Wow, what a fantastic book! Reading the book, you're with her on Kingfisher sailing the Vendee Globe, advancing wave upon wave and feeling her emotions.
Ellen is really magnificent. She's such a brave woman! She makes her dream come true and that's why I respect her so much. She's a true hero to me.
Ellen is really magnificent. She's such a brave woman! She makes her dream come true and that's why I respect her so much. She's a true hero to me.
December 13, 2011
I love her single-minded obsession. I had been a bit reluctant to read this book at first because, while I'm interested in sailing, I'm not that interested in racing. Still, my boyfriend insisted so I gave it a shot. I almost gave this book 5 stars, but then got a bit bored at times.
August 11, 2014
Written in a heart warming way which makes you actually feel for Dame Ellen as a real human being. She describes things well from places to people to feelings. A fascinating book and an amazing story.
January 12, 2009
Impressive account of a truly inspiring and determined woman of our century. Great read!
March 18, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this, and all about her introductions into sailing and racing. Very good all the way through, and it made me a bit more interested in the Vendee Globe boards at school.
June 27, 2012
Ellen MacArthur brings you around the world with her. A great, motivating book about here solo race around the world.
July 18, 2012
Probably needed to understand more about sailing but she is an incredible women.
September 2, 2012
Every teenager should read this book as it is truly inspiring. Ellen showed that anything is possible with a positive mind.
December 17, 2012
As an enthusiastic but sometimes wussy sailor, I was continually amazed by Ellen's courage and determination. An amazing story and fascinating read.
December 27, 2012
What an inspirational young woman. This is a phenomenal read, she takes you along on her journey where you experience all her Highs and lows. Highly recommend this and her other books too.
April 19, 2013
my dad bought me this book when I started showing an interest in following him down the skipper path. What an inspiration.
August 17, 2015
Gets really rambling and disjointed at times. The best part of the book is hearing what the author did from her perspective.
February 20, 2010
Amazing and an example of pure testerone !Don't know if I could be that brave
July 31, 2012
excellent book
November 21, 2014
lovely story by a lovely lady. very brave and plucky and amazing in what she achieved
August 3, 2016
Inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews