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A Race Too Far
In 1968, the Sunday Times organized the Golden Globe race—an incredible test of endurance never before attempted—a round the world yacht race that must be completed single-handed and non-stop. This remarkable challenge inspired those daring to enter, with or without sailing experience. A Race Too Far is the story of how the race unfolded, and how it became a tragedy for many involved. Of the nine sailors who started the race, four realized the madness of the undertaking and pulled out within weeks. The remaining five each have their own remarkable story. Chay Blyth, fresh from rowing the Atlantic with John Ridgway, had no sailing experience but managed to sail round the Cape of Good Hope before retiring. Nigel Tetley sank while in the lead with 1,100 nautical miles to go, surviving but dying in tragic circumstances two years later. Donald Crowhurst began showing signs of mental illness and tried to fake a round the world voyage. His boat was discovered adrift in an apparent suicide, but his body was never found. Bernard Moitessier abandoned the race and carried on to Tahiti, where he settled and fathered a child despite having a wife and family in Paris. Robin Knox-Johnston was the only one to complete the race. Chris Eakin recreates the drama of the epic race, talking to all those touched by the Golden Globe: the survivors, the widows and the children of those who died. It is a book that both evokes the primary wonder of the adventure itself and reflects on what it has come to mean in the 40 years since.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2009
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116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 10, 2019
[library]
This is the other book about the 1968/9 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race (along with A Voyage for Madmen and The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst). It is in fact, in capsule summary, A Voyage for Madmen with interviews. Eakin doesn't have anything new to say about the race, but he's tracked down all the participants that are still living and are willing to be interviewed (John Ridgway declined), and he's done extensive interviews with Eve Tetley, Francoise Moitessier, and Clare and Simon Crowhurst. So the book was interesting for the different perspectives it offers (Clare Crowhurst loathes The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst) and it does give a better sense of the devastation that Crowhurst (fraud and suicide) Tetley (died two years later under very mysterious circumstances), and Moitessier (fucked off to Tahiti and screwed his wife over financially) left behind them, but I think A Voyage for Madmen is a better book.
This is the other book about the 1968/9 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race (along with A Voyage for Madmen and The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst). It is in fact, in capsule summary, A Voyage for Madmen with interviews. Eakin doesn't have anything new to say about the race, but he's tracked down all the participants that are still living and are willing to be interviewed (John Ridgway declined), and he's done extensive interviews with Eve Tetley, Francoise Moitessier, and Clare and Simon Crowhurst. So the book was interesting for the different perspectives it offers (Clare Crowhurst loathes The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst) and it does give a better sense of the devastation that Crowhurst (fraud and suicide) Tetley (died two years later under very mysterious circumstances), and Moitessier (fucked off to Tahiti and screwed his wife over financially) left behind them, but I think A Voyage for Madmen is a better book.
February 8, 2018
Fascinating story - the ingenuity shown under extreme circumstances by the sailors was staggering. The description of Robin Knox- Johnston’s return to Falmouth had me punching the air and crying at the same time!
November 22, 2013
The Golden Globe sailing race of 1968-69 is a fascinating event full of interesting characters and human drama, both on shore and at sea. If this is your first book about the subject, you are bound to love it: pacy, informative about the sea and sailing without assuming knowledge or going too much into detail, and with a real human sympathy for the people involved.
If you know about the race and have read A Voyage For Madmen by Peter Nichols or The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst (by Tomalin and Hall), you may wonder what more this book can offer. Well, it's this:
1. Eakin interviews all those that are still alive and willing to talk, about their involvement in the race and its various catastrophes. We hear, for example, from Captain Craig Rich, who investigated Crowhurst's sailing positions during and after the race. People that were just names before now come forward as interesting people in their own right. Eakin has rightly judged, I think, that those already acquainted with the race story, from the Crowhurst angle or from the nine sailors angle, find their interest rippling out to the non-sailors, publicists, journalists, investors, wives and family that all played their own parts in the saga. He indulges that interest by widening the cast of 'speaking' characters in this account.
2. Eakin brings the story up to date, by sharing the thoughts and attitudes of the surviving key players, forty years on. Some have already died (e.g. Crowhurst's publicist, Rodney Hallworth), but others are old men and women whose stories and final thoughts on the drama were captured by Eakin before it was too late. In a way, the Globe race was too large an event in the lives of the competitors -- and for onlookers -- to be just about 'then'. It's a story that people have reflected on, argued about, and researched ever since. It's a story of 1968 that has a 'now', too.
3. Because there is original research, and a big-picture approach to the whole event -- people-wise, technology-wise, time-wise, and significance-wise -- one learns facts that are not presented in other accounts, and one gains a more rounded view.
The writing is very good: clear, direct, conversational, uncluttered and unpadded. Eakin effortlessly weaves the chronologies of nine different sailors: the book is tautly structured and you never wonder why he is talking about this or that now, instead of something else.
Whether you're new to the Golden Globe story or you're a completist that can't get enough, I highly recommend this book.
If you know about the race and have read A Voyage For Madmen by Peter Nichols or The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst (by Tomalin and Hall), you may wonder what more this book can offer. Well, it's this:
1. Eakin interviews all those that are still alive and willing to talk, about their involvement in the race and its various catastrophes. We hear, for example, from Captain Craig Rich, who investigated Crowhurst's sailing positions during and after the race. People that were just names before now come forward as interesting people in their own right. Eakin has rightly judged, I think, that those already acquainted with the race story, from the Crowhurst angle or from the nine sailors angle, find their interest rippling out to the non-sailors, publicists, journalists, investors, wives and family that all played their own parts in the saga. He indulges that interest by widening the cast of 'speaking' characters in this account.
2. Eakin brings the story up to date, by sharing the thoughts and attitudes of the surviving key players, forty years on. Some have already died (e.g. Crowhurst's publicist, Rodney Hallworth), but others are old men and women whose stories and final thoughts on the drama were captured by Eakin before it was too late. In a way, the Globe race was too large an event in the lives of the competitors -- and for onlookers -- to be just about 'then'. It's a story that people have reflected on, argued about, and researched ever since. It's a story of 1968 that has a 'now', too.
3. Because there is original research, and a big-picture approach to the whole event -- people-wise, technology-wise, time-wise, and significance-wise -- one learns facts that are not presented in other accounts, and one gains a more rounded view.
The writing is very good: clear, direct, conversational, uncluttered and unpadded. Eakin effortlessly weaves the chronologies of nine different sailors: the book is tautly structured and you never wonder why he is talking about this or that now, instead of something else.
Whether you're new to the Golden Globe story or you're a completist that can't get enough, I highly recommend this book.
August 18, 2018
A gripping story of amateur heroism (and deception) in an often intensely perilous environment. The book has a great balance between accounts of the action as it unfolded and interviews with the competitors, their families and other stakeholders years after the events.
June 17, 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.
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https://numberoneboats.com/baja-370-e...
https://theboatyacht.com/baja-280-spo...
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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/baja-370-es-...
https://numberoneboats.com/baja-370-e...
https://theboatyacht.com/baja-280-spo...
https://numberoneboats.com/baja-280-s...
August 2, 2019
This is a remarkable story and great read. An almost accidental sailing race around the world featuring some pretty unusual characters. Indeed, all that unites the different race competitors is their ambition to be alone in (often dangerous) ocean for months on end with virtually no communication with the outside world. Of course some of the competitors handle this better than others and the story focuses on one tragedy but actually features several. What made the book gripping for me is the descriptions of the personalities from the competent understated statesmen to the romantic ideological globetrotter to the fragile isolated mind, naturally combined with amazing events that unfold (no spoilers here). The author has clearly researched throughly the topic for the book and it is not a story you will forget.
December 15, 2025
One of those books that ‘sneaks’ up on you. An incredible story of nine men and their families. Nine started out, one finished, a story that forty years on still attracts comment.
Once started it’s difficult to put down, three of the stories are well documented, Knox-Johnson, Montissier and Tetley spent the most time at sea, Crowhurst’s story is perhaps the best known but all were brave men.
A book worth reading.
Once started it’s difficult to put down, three of the stories are well documented, Knox-Johnson, Montissier and Tetley spent the most time at sea, Crowhurst’s story is perhaps the best known but all were brave men.
A book worth reading.
December 15, 2020
You dont need to know the ins-and-outs of yachting to enjoy this book. It describes a world in which innocence allows men to put to sea in boats barely ready or tested and the men the same. It has interviews with all the main players, families as well. Definately written by a journalist, its a book that makes me 100% sure I'll never, single-handed, sail around the world!
December 29, 2022
It’s a great insight to the race in general and a look into each of the competitors. 4/5 because the title and the summary led me to believe there would be more about Donald Crowhurst as it mentions the race in general and specifically his name, but none of the other sailors. However, I wouldn’t say Crowhurst held more of the narrative. All competitors were pretty much written about equally.
February 6, 2021
Excellent factual account of bravery. Showing men who take on the savage sea. But this book goes further in looking to each individual on how they came to be in the race and their finish. Couldn’t put the book down.
July 25, 2019
Fascinating story. No idea what made me pick this one up but I'm glad I did.
October 8, 2019
A good book.A good insight into the race.
February 28, 2025
This book will make you hate the French.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2026
Incredible story, compellingly told
Read
February 23, 2017Essential revisiting of the story of the 1968-9 Golden Globe race with many caveats to narrative of Tomalin and Hall in The Strange Voyage of Donald Crowhurst, and exploring the other personalities of the race too.
January 28, 2014
What a great book, despite a slow and somewhat confusing start. This chronicles the first race around the world by sailboat and the nine characters who joined that race. Fascinating..........stick with it, at first things are a little murky as the author introduces all the characters but they are soon whittled down to the serious contenders and the final finisher.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews