Over The Top: The First Lone Yachtsman To Sail Vertically Around The World
Product Details | Similar Products | Customer Reviews | Author: Adrian Flanagan List Price: £16.99 Our Price: £11.89 You Save: £5.10 (30%) Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours  |
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 | Product Details: Hardcover 416 pages Release Date: 30 October 2008 Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson ISBN: 0297850792 Rating:   Sales Rank: 28772 | | Look for similar books by subject:
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| | Customer Reviews: Sorry... I have to disagree (18 December 2008)Unfortunately Over the Top is just a 'good' book. It is worth reading, but its prime purpose is less about the story of the man and the journey, but as a vehicle for telling the world that the author 'should' be listed amongst the great sailors of all time... Adrian is certainly an epic sailor and the difficulties faced on the boat and off are astounding, but I became tired of the constant self promotion and the self placement of himself along side the greats...Just in case we forget, Andrian won't let us come to this conclusion by ourselves or by chance! It feels a little bit like a sailing adventure by numbers where Adiaian has 'ticked' a lot of the boxes required, but it lacks the modestly and warmth of Pete Goss or Tania Aebi and becomes tedious in the end... sorry Adrian, but it was 'over the top' Warning. This book WILL inspire you to leave your comfort zone. (22 November 2008)This is undoubtedly the finest account of a single handed circumnavigation since Slocum's 'Sailing Alone Around The world'. The difference is that Flanagan's route takes him west around Cape Horn, head on into the relentless storms of the Southern Ocean, then around the north coast of Russia through the ice of the Northern Sea Route where he is plagued by the beaurocratic quagmire of the Russian authorities. This book omits all the sensationalism, found so commonly in sailing literature today and focuses on the facts as they happened, both from a psychological and a physical point of view. As a direct result the reader is left with the sense that; Here is a normal man with a dream that through sheer determination, he has made a reality. The fact the one man, with virtually no capital, assisted by the unerring support of his ex wife, has succeeded in pulling off what is an incredible achievement, will inspire and encourage the rest of us mere mortals to live out our dreams. Expertly written so non sailors will not feel out of their depth. A delight to read. It is almost impossible not to share Flanagan's emotions throughout this incredible voyage. Respect! (11 November 2008)This is a incredible, page-turning yarn, full of adventure, passion, elation, excitement, fear, pleasure, love, respect...and the best part is it's all true. I read it cover to cover in one session. Few would have the courage to undertake this truly unique voyage in pursuit of a boyhood dream. Even fewer are also blessed with the intelligence, visceral honesty and writing talent of Flanagan. He takes the reader with him through the twists and turns and highs and lows of planning and executing this seemingly impossible mission. Its an adrenalin-filled and inspirational account of how he faced up to the physical, emotional, financial, practical and, in the case of the Russian artic territory, bureaucratic challenges, not to mention the anxiety and guilt of leaving behind his ex-wife and two young boys. Flanagan's descriptions of the thrills, the horrors and pleasures of a solo circumnavigation are awe-inspiring. Whilst primarily an account of Flanagan's personal adventure and fulfillment of his life dreams, he skillfully weaves into the narrative extensive factual detail, managing to create at the same time a highly informative and gripping read. Inspiration injection (10 November 2008)This isn't a review, its a recommendation! I was totally 'blown away' by this fantastic book! Adrian Flanagan can do two things extremely well - he can sail and he can write. This is a riveting real life drama, beautifully told with pace and passion. This man overcame huge odds to achieve a boyhood dream. If you want want or need a great big injection of inspiration, read this book. Forget Bond - This is the Real Deal (10 November 2008)This book has it all - a real life thriller you couldn't make up! Adrian gets swept overboard in a raging storm without a safety harness, is chased by pirates off the coast of Brazil, suffers injuries and set-backs, meets polar bears and whales, battles around the terrifying Cape Horn (the wrong way), tackles Russian beaurocracy soliciting the help of Russian bilionaire Roman Abramovich and makes sailing history by completing the first ever vertical circumnavigation of the earth via the Russian Arctic. This book is about having a lifelong dream, living it and seeing it through at all costs. Un-sponsored with only his ex wife running the Expedition from a small house in Buckinghamshire Over The Top should prove to be an inspiration to anyone wanting to make something happen in their life. | |
