Left for Dead: The Untold Story of the Tragic 1979 Fastnet Race

by Nick Ward, Sinéad O'Brien, Nick Ward

Book Overview

In August of 1979, Nick Ward began the 600-mile course of the UK's Fastnet Race with perfect weather. Within 48 hours, the deadliest storm in the history of modern sailing had blasted through the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0713682817
• ISBN13: 9780713682816
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Adlard Coles
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 0.8" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

The truth of Fastnet and Grimalkin of the 1979

Fantastic true story of the Grimalkin tragedy.

Perserverance

I have been a sailor for many years as well as one with a disability somewhat similar to Nick's. He showed what we all hope we will show when the shite comes down. Make a special note of Nick's description of the crew's seamanship. It could not be better. Sail take downs and securing of sails. That took guts and strength as well as teamwork. Kudos to Nick and a very fine fellow. Best regards, James Good

incredible story, beautifully told, riveting

Could not put it down. Stayed up way too late. Unparalleled story - I've read a lot of the sailing disaster stories, and none is as coherent, compelling, or raw as this one. Many lessons for sailors in here, but fascinating reading for non-sailors.

A fascinating book about a sailor's worst nightmare

It took me less than a day to read this book from the first to the last page. Once you start it, you won't want to put it down before the very last word. Nick Ward isn't the greatest writer, but his story is well told and perhaps the lack of perfection underlines the authenticity. First you learn how a few minor errors or too much trust in others can make you sail straight into a hurricane. This adventure happened to Nick Ward only a few dozen miles off England's coast. And then you learn a lot about fellow sailor's behavior under high stress. And how both together may lead, as in Ward's case, to the sailor's worst nightmare : to be abandoned unconscious and left for death on a leaking, uncontrollable, drifting ship, in the middle of a hurricane. The behavior of his fellow crew members is incomprehensible, to Ward and also for the readers. Obviously, Ward wrote the book to understand what happened, how fellow sailor's can be so shabbily selfish and inhuman. He certainly wanted to provoke reactions, and perhaps also settle an account. Happily he was rescued to tell his story. It teaches us a lot about the sea and about us, humans and sailors.

Inspirational

Quite Quickly, you are riding the storm with Nick Ward. The book is so well written, that you can visualise the scenes, feel the torment & genuinely feel for the guy. The situation these people found themselves in, you wouldn't wish on your own worst enemy. I loved this book. You can take inspiration from this book not only by how Nick Ward dealt with what was in front of him, when the storm started to really take hold, but also with how he dealt with finding out the true events that found both himself, & his comrade, alone & at the mercy of the sea. If anything, your respect for the sea will greatly increase. I thoroughly recommend this very inspirational book.

Absolutely riveting tale

Saw someone reading this book and thought it looked interesting, particularly since I know someone who sails competitively. Is it ever interesting. From the start with Nick detailing his lifelong love of sailing, I was hooked on the story. I felt the tension build as the storm came up, and felt every wave as he struggled to survive in the floundering boat. It is an excellent insiders view of one the the worst storms to ever strike a sailing race. I felt genuine sadness at the loss of his crew mate, and understand now why my friend is always saying that the first rule of sailing is to NEVER LEAVE YOUR BOAT (unless it actually sinks). I'm glad Grimalkin sailed on after surviving such a storm. And although he doesn't really say if he ever returned to racing, I hope Nick continues to pursue his passion, and I'll remember his story every time I take to the water.