The Philosopher and the Handyman: The Race Around the World - Part 1

Dans ce livre publié en 1960, Bernard Moitessier relate ses jeunes années de navigation, de ses débuts en Indochine sur la Marie-Thérèse jusqu'aux naufrages spectaculaires dans l'océan Indien et aux Antilles sur la Marie-Thérèse II. Best-seller auprès des marins, l'ouvrage mêle aventures personnelles, vie en mer et informations pratiques sur la navigation hauturière, avec une annexe d'une trentaine de pages de conseils techniques pour les navigateurs.

In 1968, the Sunday Times organised the Golden Globe race, an incredible test of endurance: a round-the-world yacht race completed single-handed and non-stop, with disqualification for any port stops. Nine entrants, with varying sailing experience, faced immense challenges; Robin Knox-Johnston was the sole finisher, while others suffered tragedies including deaths and Donald Crowhurst's mysterious fate. Forty years later, Chris Eakin recreates the drama, interviewing survivors, widows, and children involved.

This book tells the disturbing and engrossing story of Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor who entered a round-the-world race sponsored by the Sunday Times. Crowhurst, a mild-mannered English businessman, attempted to fake his journey by forging log books and sending false radio reports. However, his hoax led to mental deterioration, and he eventually disappeared, leaving his ship adrift in the Atlantic. The authors provide a detailed reconstruction of Crowhurst's voyage, analyzing his mental state and the circumstances that led to his tragic end. The book includes Crowhurst's last writings, photographs, and charts, making it a compelling and gripping read.

This book offers a wide-ranging and provocative call to expand what we mean by 'maintenance', exploring its impact on daily life and its role in keeping things going, from vehicles to the planet. It begins with the 1968 Golden Globe solo sailboat race and delves into vehicle maintenance, military sustainment, and the battle against corrosion.