Left for Dead

Astonishingly vivid, painstakingly honest and utterly gripping... A tour de force Financial Times

Left for dead by his crewmates in the middle of the deadliest storm in the history of modern sailing, Nick Ward somehow managed to live to tell his tale. The world famous Fastnet Race of 1979 began in near perfect weather, but within 48 hours was struck by a horrific storm. By the time it passed, it had mercilessly taken the lives of 15 sailors.
Sailing in the Fastnet Race had been a dream come true for Nick, but the dream turned to nightmare when, in the midst of colossal waves and umemitting winds, Grimalkin was capsized again and again. The skipper was lost overboard, and after hours of exhausting struggle, three of the crew abandoned the boat for the life raft. Nick and his fellow crewmember Gerry, both injured and unconscious, were left on the beleaguered yacht, presumed dead.
30 years on, Nick finally confronted his fears to conquer the 2009 Fastnet, in what marks a hugely triumphant journey - emotionally and physically.
Left for Dead is Nick Ward's moving and inspirational account of his survival - against all the odds.

Contents
1. Breaking the Silence
2. The Jewel in the Crown
3. Watches and Lighthouses
4.Still Waters
5.Ochre Sky
6.Off the Scale
7. s Dark Alleys
8.Before Light, After Dawn
9. Muddled Mind
10. Footprints in the Sand
11. Blood-tinged Red Roses
12. Dead or Alive?
13. Softly, Softly, Catchee Monkey
14. Unmarked Time
15. Falling Forward
16. In My Mind's Eye
17. Horizon to Horizon
18. Aftermath
19. Revisiting Grimalkin - 26 years on
Epilogue 1  The Pact?
Epilogue 2 Never Say Never
Appendix 1 Grimalkin's Layout and Plans
Appendix 2 Fastnet Race 1979
Retirements and Finishers
Acknowledgements