The Maintenance Race

by Stewart Brand, Richard Seyd (Narrator)

In 1968, nine competitors set out in a race that had never before been attempted: to sail around the world, alone, without stopping.

The route took them through the most dangerous waters on Earth. Seeking help was forbidden, and psychologists speculated that the 10 months alone at sea could drive the sailors mad. The winner was promised money and attention, but everyone knew that the real prize was to become a legend. What no one predicted was how.

Three of the racers did indeed become legendary: the one who won, the one who didn’t bother to win, and the one who cheated.

In this Audible Original, Stewart Brand (the Whole Earth Catalog, How Buildings Learn, The Clock of the Long Now) tells these men’s story, and lays out a new understanding of how and why each of them met their fate. His claim is that the core of the race came down to how each sailor approached the question of maintenance. And he explains how shifting our own understanding of maintenance may help us address the problems we face, from daily chores to issues that threaten our very existence.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Short Stories, Adventure

Audiobook

Published September 30, 2021

About the author

Stewart Brand was a pioneer in the environmental movement in the 60s – his Whole Earth Catalog became the Bible for sustainable living, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide. Brand is President of The Long Now Foundation and chairs the foundation's Seminars About Long-term Thinking.

Reviews

[Sassy Mystic Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting retelling of a sailing race around the world

[Tgordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy. I tried

[Boy Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The different maintenance styles of the three sailors led directly to their different outcomes.

Knox-Johnston’s style was: “Whatever comes, deal with it.” And he did.

Crowhurst’s was: “Hope for the best.” It killed him.

Moitessier’s was: “Prepare for the worst.” It freed him.

Some incredible things happened during the race. Crowhurst went mad and started making a completely fictional log, they all battled insane weather conditions, but easily the most fascinating part of the race and probably one of the most incredible sporting moments of all time was when Moitessier, rapidly closing on Knox-Johnston and the finish line, decided he'd just do another lap instead.

Race watchers in England calculated that Moitessier must be far up the Atlantic toward a double victory when word came from South Africa of a message received by slingshot on a tanker in Cape Town Harbor. It read:

"My intention is to continue the voyage, still nonstop, toward the Pacific Islands, where there is plenty of sun and more peace than in Europe….. I am continuing non-stop because I am happy at sea, and perhaps because I want to save my soul."

He ended up in Tahiti, 303 days after leaving England, having sailed 37,455 miles, which is still considered “the world's longest recorded non-stop solo sailing voyage.”

You can read this for free here https://books.worksinprogress.co/book/maintenance-of-everything/the-maintenance-race/the-maintenance-race/4.

It's a short but delightful read.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short sweet and worth the time! the focus is a race that, I believe, can be compared with life. How does one person who is optimistic drive himself to suicide, while another enjoys the journey so much that he leaves the race. The one who wins is the one who takes a very disciplined and pragmatic approach. Pieces are nicely placed together.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. For a non-sailing individual this was an interesting read. Reading about sailing was around the world was fascinating, and who would’ve thought maintenance was such an important factor to winning and for that matter, survival. The finally take away are lessons that can be applied to life too.

[Phil Whittall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd never heard of this round the world solo race before and I loved the different angle this short audiobook took to exploring it. Brand examines the different approaches to maintenance (looking after the boat) and how that affected the race. Interesting, fascinating, insightful - what more could you ask for a book that you can listen to in less than an hour!

[Titiaan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a first chapter from the forthcoming full book by Stewart Brand. The first chapter highlights three men who participated in a race to circumnavigate the world by sailing boat. It shows the difference maintenance makes.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5--listened to Audible recording

[Shamim Hafiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Performance not the best and too short to make a good impression. Despite being short, different scenes were hard to connect.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the brief review of the three key participants of an amazing race, The Golden Globe.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super quick. Do the important maintenance or face the consequences.

[Iamreddave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting story about the first solo round the world yacht race. Very short and part of a later longer book. I look forward to that's release

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting look into global sailboat racing. I like the viewpoint of looking at it from the point of 'maintenance.' A good look at how different people prepare for the unexpected.

[Duke DeLaet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea, but the stories were good and the life lessons were poignant

[JoAnne Cattanach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quote-doing maintenance cures depression. Not sure about that as a mental health therapy but the old adage keep busy to keep your mind off of that. It was interesting short read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story on the benefits of preperation and how that really saves the day.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short read but super interesting can't wait for the book to come out.

[Tonya D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and provided wonderful insight into each person’s journey.

[David Siu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and important aspect of existence that I would love to hear Brand's take on.

[David Given Schwarm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Stewart Brand. He has been one step ahead of me my entire life. I love this book--with a focus on the value of maintenance, something all of us in operations intuitively grok. A one-hour preview of the coming storm--brilliant and entertaining. I cannot wait for the final book!