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The Crossing. Conquering the Atlantic in the World's Toughest Rowing Race
'Read this... Two very different men fight, play games and nearly lose their lives.' The Times
When James Cracknell and Ben Fogle decided to compete in the Atlantic Rowing Race, they thought they knew what awaited nearly three thousand miles of empty ocean, stormy weather and colossal physical stress. But their epic journey would become a living hell that tested the strength of every fibre of their being. Forty nine days later James and Ben were the first pair to cross the finishing line.They had pushed themselves physically, psychologically and emotionally to the limit. They had survived without water rations, lost the few clothes they had in a freak wave, capsized, hallucinated, played games, wept, fought, grown beards, nursed blisters and rowed 2,930 miles. They will never be the same again.
When James Cracknell and Ben Fogle decided to compete in the Atlantic Rowing Race, they thought they knew what awaited nearly three thousand miles of empty ocean, stormy weather and colossal physical stress. But their epic journey would become a living hell that tested the strength of every fibre of their being. Forty nine days later James and Ben were the first pair to cross the finishing line.They had pushed themselves physically, psychologically and emotionally to the limit. They had survived without water rations, lost the few clothes they had in a freak wave, capsized, hallucinated, played games, wept, fought, grown beards, nursed blisters and rowed 2,930 miles. They will never be the same again.
Paperback
First published May 10, 2006
20 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Ben Fogle
39 books115 followersBen Fogle is a presenter, writer and adventurer. His achievements include racing 160 miles across the Sahara desert in the notorious Marathon Des Sables.
He has rowed the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days and crossed Antarctica in a foot race to the South Pole.
He has presented numerous programmes including BBC’s Animal Park, Wild In Africa, Countryfile, Crufts, One Man and His Dog and Extreme Dreams.
He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and the Independent and has written four bestselling books. Ben’s latest book, The Accidental Adventurer will be published by Transworld in 2011.
He is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the President of the Campaign for National Parks.
Ben is a special correspondent for NBC News in the United States, reporting from all over the world for Today, Dateline and MSNBC Nightly News.
http://www.benfogle.com/biography
He has rowed the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days and crossed Antarctica in a foot race to the South Pole.
He has presented numerous programmes including BBC’s Animal Park, Wild In Africa, Countryfile, Crufts, One Man and His Dog and Extreme Dreams.
He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and the Independent and has written four bestselling books. Ben’s latest book, The Accidental Adventurer will be published by Transworld in 2011.
He is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the President of the Campaign for National Parks.
Ben is a special correspondent for NBC News in the United States, reporting from all over the world for Today, Dateline and MSNBC Nightly News.
http://www.benfogle.com/biography
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 19, 2019
Although this starts with quite a little whiff of the “born to rule over yous” with the two very well connected ex-public school boys pulling their shenanigan together in a way that would simply be inconceivable for 99% of the population, this does tell an increasingly gripping story of a very perilous ocean-crossing which is vividly brought to life so much that you feel you are on the boat with them. The honesty of their reflections, including less proud moments and some hideous skin issues, makes this a bracing and credible read and the structuring: they tell their story in the shift pattern they rowed; they restrict information from when they do not have it, so you feel like you are in their shoes, is excellent.
April 10, 2020
An excellent book which captures every emotion along their challenging journey and the true strength of determination. Inspiring!
March 6, 2013
Equally interesting as it is bromantic, this is a must-read for adventure lovers, rowers, kayakers, and their like. The story alternates between the viewpoints of both the authors, so it makes an interesting read when one of the authors says something, but the other recalls him saying something else. This will leave you pining for the bravery to embark on such an endeavor as crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and something that will change your life forever.
July 21, 2019
What a cracking read!!! This is the true story told by Ben Fogle and James Cracknell, of their experience in the Cross Atlantic race, rowing in the world’s toughest race. The story is told by both, with each giving their own version of events and it works really well. It tells their heroic battle with the sea, the emotional and psychological journey that they went through, testing their relationship to the limits. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and whole heartedly recommend it to others.
October 23, 2018
Loved this book from start to finish - written in a very honest warts and all way. Really got a feeling for their different characters. Saw Ben a couple of years ago and u can hear him narrating the book. Will admit to crying at the end. Can't decide if they are both bat shit crazy or inspirational. Well worth reading.
December 19, 2019
I read this book in 3 days! I just couldnt put it down. It made me laugh and it made me cry. What these men did is incredible. I felt like I was out there with them!
September 4, 2021
My son recommended "The Crossing" as "the kind of book you will like." It certainly is and once I began reading I didn't want to stop. I was attracted by Fogle and Cracknell being so inexperienced that they created numerous problems they then had to fix. Their different personalities and their subsequent clashes added to the drama. But most of all was their determination and exercise of will to force their bodies to what seemed impossible lengths.
Extreme exhaustion, unrelenting severe exercise, lack of sleep, agonising bodily sores, terror of the storms and high waves, capsizing, reckless doses of drugs to dull the agony, thirst and hunger, breakdown of equipment. And despite it all they kept coming back, they kept trying, they forced themselves to keep going.
How soft, fat and idle so many of us seem as we continue to be seduced by the easy modern life. Fogle and Cracknell, and many others, are examples of what the human body can endure. If we never test it, we will never know. It is our loss.
Extreme exhaustion, unrelenting severe exercise, lack of sleep, agonising bodily sores, terror of the storms and high waves, capsizing, reckless doses of drugs to dull the agony, thirst and hunger, breakdown of equipment. And despite it all they kept coming back, they kept trying, they forced themselves to keep going.
How soft, fat and idle so many of us seem as we continue to be seduced by the easy modern life. Fogle and Cracknell, and many others, are examples of what the human body can endure. If we never test it, we will never know. It is our loss.
October 22, 2025
An engaging and remarkably honest account of endurance, resilience and friendship across the Atlantic Ocean. I opted for the Audible version, perhaps a slight cheat, but hearing both James and Ben narrate their experiences added a compelling depth and authenticity to the story. Their contrasting personalities and approaches to the challenge make for fascinating listening.
Ben, often underestimated, demonstrates quiet grit and emotional strength, while James’s unwavering determination and competitive drive are nothing short of formidable. Together, they embody the power of perseverance and teamwork. A truly inspiring story told with candour and heart, and a reminder of what can be achieved when ambition meets resilience.
Ben, often underestimated, demonstrates quiet grit and emotional strength, while James’s unwavering determination and competitive drive are nothing short of formidable. Together, they embody the power of perseverance and teamwork. A truly inspiring story told with candour and heart, and a reminder of what can be achieved when ambition meets resilience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2018
When I picked up this book, I had no idea that there existed World Championships to row across an ocean! It had caught my attention immediately, and the book turned out to be truly unputdownable.
The back and forth narration, really gives a sense of how differently 2 people view the incidents in hindsight that occurred under overwhelming pressure. A great sign of realism.
Absolutely amazing! Makes me yearn for adventures so badly. Their motivations, the discipline, the troubles, the grit, the uncertainties, the calm, the determination and finally that joy, that relief.
Thoroughly enjoyed!!
The back and forth narration, really gives a sense of how differently 2 people view the incidents in hindsight that occurred under overwhelming pressure. A great sign of realism.
Absolutely amazing! Makes me yearn for adventures so badly. Their motivations, the discipline, the troubles, the grit, the uncertainties, the calm, the determination and finally that joy, that relief.
Thoroughly enjoyed!!
March 20, 2021
An incredible tale of adventure and resilience.
Ben Doyle and James Cracknell seen like an unlikely duo, but rowing 3000 mile across the Atlantic Ocean can certainly change that. This is a tale of adventure, perseverance, resilience and determination. I'd 100% recommend this book and others by both men. It's well worth the money.
Ben Doyle and James Cracknell seen like an unlikely duo, but rowing 3000 mile across the Atlantic Ocean can certainly change that. This is a tale of adventure, perseverance, resilience and determination. I'd 100% recommend this book and others by both men. It's well worth the money.
December 24, 2018
Really really good.
Hearing the psychology of the arguments, loneliness, inner voices, decisions from onboard from the 2 quite different personalities is really engaging.
The trip was full of (major)disasters so it makes for a great tale too.
Hearing the psychology of the arguments, loneliness, inner voices, decisions from onboard from the 2 quite different personalities is really engaging.
The trip was full of (major)disasters so it makes for a great tale too.
December 20, 2019
"I'm rowing across the Atlantic next year, do you want to do it with me?"
This is a really emotionally rich account of how two different people have to combine as a team to complete an almost impossible task. A really strong read, I couldn't put it down.
This is a really emotionally rich account of how two different people have to combine as a team to complete an almost impossible task. A really strong read, I couldn't put it down.
March 10, 2022
This was a gripping page turner. My disbelief that anyone would want to take on a challenge as physically and mentally gruelling as this was mixed with hope as the miles passed and delight and pride as the finish line approached, as if these two men were my brothers or friends.
November 6, 2025
A cracking tale at its heart but also a very interesting look into the psychology of the mind both for athletes and regular people and how the human body copes in such extreme circumstances. A truly impressive feat that was thrilling to read about.
October 28, 2019
Absolutely fantastic reading, I felt transported right onto the boat with them. Highly recommended!
December 2, 2019
Fantastic page turner
I could not put this book down. It is emotional and amazing how they could survive a trip like this.
I could not put this book down. It is emotional and amazing how they could survive a trip like this.
March 26, 2020
Outstanding. Made me laugh and cry. 2 brave and ridiculous men.
May 1, 2020
I loved this book's raw honesty, it was a breath of fresh air as far as true story accounts go. One of my all time favourite books.
May 24, 2020
Absolutely brilliant, and utterly inspirational! Loved this!
May 30, 2020
It didn't sound like a fun adventure. Too many tears and arguments for my liking but it was interesting enough. 3.5 stars
February 6, 2021
What a tough time they had. I felt emotional at the end of this book when they finished the race.
April 24, 2021
As a coastal rower, this book appealed to me as it goes - slightly - beyond our normal routes and distances. As a cynic, when it comes to self-help and motivational books, this is more my cup of tea.
October 25, 2021
Totally captivating
It might have been a while ago now, but I was so hooked on this book that I read it in 2 days. Such an amazing feat and a great account of it!
It might have been a while ago now, but I was so hooked on this book that I read it in 2 days. Such an amazing feat and a great account of it!
January 2, 2023
Very interesting and inspiring read to undertake such a challenge
March 29, 2024
Amazing story.
January 20, 2025
Brilliant book, super insightful into some of the physiological and physically effects of a long ocean passage (and lots of rowing). Easy to read and very inspiring, would highly recommend
January 5, 2026
V enjoyable read. Especially seeing how contrasting characters of James & Ben cope with one another, let alone with all manner of obstacles.
January 8, 2026
Listened rather than read and excellent raw account of two people bonding under a difficult challenge.
February 17, 2010
Of the ocean rowing book experiences, this rates as one where there is the most focus on rowing. Very few others discuss the importance of boat weight on speed and the need to keep a grinding schedule if forward progress is to be made. By contrast, most other rowing experiences tend to end up being directed drifting, particularly for the solo boats. In this case there is the clear image of the intensity to actually row to set a speed. Only "The Naked Rower" comes close to having a character who is so focused on competitive rowing. It detailed the 1997 Atlantic challenge in which the author was in the winning pairs boat. The personality clashes and weather problems paralled very closely to the experiences here in the November 2005 corssing.
This book also gave more details about the Woodvale Challenge rules, such as the water ballast penalty, and how the association boats had trailed the rowing boats at night to confirm that no sails were being used. It mentioned aspects of required navigation, safety courses, equipment checklist, and equipment usage demonstration that I hadn't seen detailed before.
The physical consequences of the rowing and heat were more clearly exemplified here than in any other ocean rowing book. The capsizes, water-maker problems, water, and food shortages also top the list of accounting for these problems. The details concerning the water-maker were very interesting, as this seems to be a common problem on rowing boats and sailboats, and there are usually different reasons for the failure, but here the size and type of the water-maker is discussed.
The problems of the financial crunch to get on the water seem to be more clearly discussed than some of the other authors do. These guys also seemed to set a record for last minute preparations and had this been a work of fiction, there was a suspense in whether or not the boat would be allowed to get under way.
Other details given included the rule for crossing a specified finish line to qualify as a race finisher versus just completing an ocean crossing if that specific line segment is not crossed. I don't think that Roz mentioned the distinction of not having finished the challenge race, but just given credit for the ocean crossing.
It isn't clear what motivates these people to take on a financial and physical challenge like the Atlantic row. At the end of each book, the author has completed a narrative about the crossing itself and has usually stated some of the fears and outlooks during the crossing, but none have fully been able to explain what the affect on their psychological condition and future outlook this turns out to be. In this case, James Cracknell did have an insight to his competitiveness and did reach decisions regarding future directional pursuits. Contrasting this to Roz savage, she had already recognized a need for a life changing direction and seemed never to have set out on the crossing with a competitive outlook. I don't think that she achieved any "firsts" in her Atlantic crossing, and will only achieve a first if she completes her Pacific voyage to Australia and possibly then attempts to cross the Indian ocean.
This book is presented as a biographical narrative with each rower's perspective given for each time segment as voiced from their own version and perception of the event. Some readers won't like this format, as it is very similar to interspersed reading of two diaries.
I think that the reader should be familiar with ocean crossing conditions as experienced by rowers or small boat sailors in order to appreciate this book. Even with some knowledge it is hard to appreciate what these guys experienced, and I can't think of a way that the subject can be fully communicated in writing, particularly in a short-read mass market type publication.
This book also gave more details about the Woodvale Challenge rules, such as the water ballast penalty, and how the association boats had trailed the rowing boats at night to confirm that no sails were being used. It mentioned aspects of required navigation, safety courses, equipment checklist, and equipment usage demonstration that I hadn't seen detailed before.
The physical consequences of the rowing and heat were more clearly exemplified here than in any other ocean rowing book. The capsizes, water-maker problems, water, and food shortages also top the list of accounting for these problems. The details concerning the water-maker were very interesting, as this seems to be a common problem on rowing boats and sailboats, and there are usually different reasons for the failure, but here the size and type of the water-maker is discussed.
The problems of the financial crunch to get on the water seem to be more clearly discussed than some of the other authors do. These guys also seemed to set a record for last minute preparations and had this been a work of fiction, there was a suspense in whether or not the boat would be allowed to get under way.
Other details given included the rule for crossing a specified finish line to qualify as a race finisher versus just completing an ocean crossing if that specific line segment is not crossed. I don't think that Roz mentioned the distinction of not having finished the challenge race, but just given credit for the ocean crossing.
It isn't clear what motivates these people to take on a financial and physical challenge like the Atlantic row. At the end of each book, the author has completed a narrative about the crossing itself and has usually stated some of the fears and outlooks during the crossing, but none have fully been able to explain what the affect on their psychological condition and future outlook this turns out to be. In this case, James Cracknell did have an insight to his competitiveness and did reach decisions regarding future directional pursuits. Contrasting this to Roz savage, she had already recognized a need for a life changing direction and seemed never to have set out on the crossing with a competitive outlook. I don't think that she achieved any "firsts" in her Atlantic crossing, and will only achieve a first if she completes her Pacific voyage to Australia and possibly then attempts to cross the Indian ocean.
This book is presented as a biographical narrative with each rower's perspective given for each time segment as voiced from their own version and perception of the event. Some readers won't like this format, as it is very similar to interspersed reading of two diaries.
I think that the reader should be familiar with ocean crossing conditions as experienced by rowers or small boat sailors in order to appreciate this book. Even with some knowledge it is hard to appreciate what these guys experienced, and I can't think of a way that the subject can be fully communicated in writing, particularly in a short-read mass market type publication.
February 3, 2013
A gripping account of two men rowing the Atlantic in what begins as a race but ends as an ordeal of self-inflicted suffering that grinds towards the finishing line. The story is told alternately by each participant in an almost day to day diarised series of entries, with both men being stripped down to their core beings as the effort to keep going to the end drives them on. You are given a glimpse into what it takes to be competitive enough to be an Olympic gold medalist, as Cracknell's maddening need to finish first almost takes everything over the edge - his first response to capsizing and seeing fairly essential gear float away on the tide is that it is a good thing because it will make the boat lighter and faster. Ben Fogle is a more human character for whom taking part in the event and testing himself is the worthier goal.
This is a really well written account that I read over a weekend. It's up there with a lot of other well-known adventure stories I've read, from Touching the Void to Into Thin Air. While I can't say that you get to know the two men well as the book progresses, you are given an insight to the kind of mentality you'd need to get through something like this and it's not too pretty. I got the impression that they were both shielding the worst pits of depression they'd mined on this voyage from both their readers and themselves. Perhaps they didn't want to revisit those dark places too closely.
Definitely worth reading whether you're into sailing or not, this is a cracking adventure story that leaves you thinking rather them than you!
This is a really well written account that I read over a weekend. It's up there with a lot of other well-known adventure stories I've read, from Touching the Void to Into Thin Air. While I can't say that you get to know the two men well as the book progresses, you are given an insight to the kind of mentality you'd need to get through something like this and it's not too pretty. I got the impression that they were both shielding the worst pits of depression they'd mined on this voyage from both their readers and themselves. Perhaps they didn't want to revisit those dark places too closely.
Definitely worth reading whether you're into sailing or not, this is a cracking adventure story that leaves you thinking rather them than you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews