Der verschenkte Sieg

When Bernhard Moitessier abandoned a well-paid single-handed non-stop round-the-world race in 1969, which he had almost won, and instead of heading for the final destination, sailed into the solitude of the Tahitian islands, the whole world shook their heads in incomprehension. Completely alone and nonstop, he had sailed around the three great capes – the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn – on his Joshua when he turned back, renouncing both fame and the prize money. This book provides the background to his decision. Moitessier describes the external events of his voyage in vivid detail, while also providing insight into his thoughts and his inner processing of the magnificent natural surroundings. The wildlife of the three great oceans, the skies above the southern hemisphere, the small boat's struggle for survival – Moitessier recounts these experiences more vividly than any solo sailor before him.