Ebook: Force of nature: racing around the world--a true story of courage and endurance

In January 1969, aboard his home-built wooden boat Suhaili, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person every to sail solo, non-stop around the world. 25 years later, Sir Robin again completed a record-breaking circumnavigation, co-skippering Enza with Kiwi yachting legend Sir Peter Blake. His place in sailing's pantheon of greats was assured.

Then, after the tragic death of his wife Sue, Sir Robin decided he would try again. in October 2006, at the age of 67 - when most people are settling in to a well-earned retirement - Sir Robin embarked on another gruelling single-handed race around the world. Compared to his rivals he lacked recent experience and a large shore-based support team.

There were some who believed that this time he might have bitten off more than he could chew.

Then early on, it looked like their worst fears might be realised. Within days of setting off, near-Hurricane-strength storms in...