The Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 ran for 37,000 miles through 10 stages across the world’s seas and oceans. It was raced in the planet’s fastest and most demanding monohull, the Volvo Open 70, capable of sustaining speeds of well over 30 knots. The boat and the course made this the most exacting of all crewed sailboat races, a microscopic examination of the sailing skill, seamanship, stamina and strategy of the 11 men aboard each yacht. This book charts the story of some of the 88 men who left Alicante in October 2008 to win that race. It follows them through the next nine months as they endured and enjoyed every possible emotion, their human story intertwined with the raw elements of nature and the extraordinary technology on which their success and sometimes even their survival depended. "I doubt I'll ever circle the globe in a racing boat, and I'm not sure I even want to, but Mark Chisnell has made the experience real. This is a marvellous book about a great adventure, and anyone fascinated by sailing should have it on their shelf." Bernard Cornwell "Racing around the world looks as though it has progressed significantly since I had a go on Drum in '86; certainly on a technical level. The boats are lighter, faster and sailing more on the edge than ever before. But the experience of the men who sail them remains the same. It's muscle and nerve and the will to win, to get you across a big, big ocean. There's a whole lot of seawater out there to drive you crazy as you go around." Simon Le Bon "Emotions, tactics and conditions are brought to life for the reader throughout and, whether you are a sailor or not, you will find yourself carried around the world on a captivating journey." Dee Caffari