Author:Ellen MacArthur
In October 2009 Ellen MacArthur, one of the greatest sportswomen in the world, announced her retirement from competitive sailing. Many were in disbelief. How could the woman who had fought so hard to set so many records give up racing? But Ellen had found an even tougher challenge than sailing solo round the globe.
Now Ellen is ready to write about her incredible last ten years, including the trip which changed her life.
She speaks honestly about the trials of fame after coming second in the Vendee Globe in 2001; about her frustrations in missing the record for the West-East transatlantic crossing by just 75 minutes in 2004; the dramatic capsize and dismasting she experienced prior to her record attempt, and then the ultimate triumph of her spectacular, record-breaking, non-stop solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2004-5, sharing every painful and exciting moment of her 71 days alone at sea.
And of course she tells of the fateful trip to South Georgia in 2005 which caused her to decide to leave competitive sailing behind for ever and focus all her ambition and energy towards a new and much bigger race . . .
Ellen's searingly honest story is a story of triumph over incredible adversity and will inspire others to follow in this remarkable woman's wake.
A book as brilliant as the invention it celebrates. A wonderful read
—— Nick Crane, author of 'Clear Waters Rising' and 'Bicycles Up Kilimanjaro'What I'm left with after consuming the book is a sense of poetry. A distinct and lingering feeling of elegance, design history and aesthetics. It made me look at the hundreds of thousands of bicycles I pass every day in Copenhagen in a completely new light. It made me wonder what my perfect bicycle would look like
—— Mikael Colville-Andersen , Copenhagen Cycle Chic blogNo matter how shiny and costly the item of bike bling, there is a back story, usually a good one. Artfully, Penn turns his quest for hardware ... into a worldwide spin around cycling and its culture
—— William Fotheringham , Guardian[Penn] writes with authority, humour and refreshing candour ... A celebration of craftsmanship over technology and of a bygone era when things were built to last ... If Penn is to be believed, we are entering a golden age of cycling, when it really will be all about the bike once more
—— Sunday TelegraphBasically it's the book O'Gara hoped it would be and that's the genius of it. Nothing is off limits, his world is laid bare and people are left to make up their own minds about the subject... He is brutally honest in his observations, is very hard and unforgiving on himself and tells it like it is. It is a hallmark of the man... It's all O'Gara
—— Conor George , Evening EchoSmoothly written... open and honest. As a sports autobiography, straight between the posts
—— Michael Moynihan , Irish ExaminerSearing honesty
—— Daily TelegraphA different class... superb insight
—— Linda Maher , Sunday Business PostCompelling, entertaining and woven together with particular style and grace... O'Gara is up with the greats
—— Dave Hannigan , Evening EchoHe should be commended for his frankness. It certainly defines this tome in contrast to the usual drudgery of rugby autobiographies
—— James Corrigan , IndependentSince so many sports efforts in this genre tend to reveal very little, a memoir like O'Gara's, one with real bite and new insight, makes for a markedly refreshing read. The book is laced with fleshy anecdotes. All make for bona fide eyebrow arching, giggle-inducing, page turning stuff
—— Dermot Keyes , Munster ExpressIt is to O'Gara's credit that his autobiography remains true to his personality. It is a compellingly candid read... There is a sense of singularity about O'Gara that takes him into places others find uncomfortable... few men walk the walk better than Munster and Ireland's No. 10
—— Vincent Hogan , Irish IndependentThis engrossing book sails straight between the posts
—— John O'Donnell , Irish TimesArguably the best Irish book of the year... told with flawless skill
—— Malachy Clerkin , The Sunday TribuneThe perfect present for any rugby fan. It shows the goldfish-bowl aspect to life as a modern-day sporting legend and gives an insight into what it's like on the inside looking out
—— Irish IndependentWhether you are a rugby fan or not, this book is likely to please... This honest autobiography will provide an intriguing read for the Christmas period
—— South Tipp TodayCompelling reading
—— Richard Fitzpatrick , Irish Examiner