Written by John Ridgway and Andy Briggs, published by Patrick Stephens in 1985. This entry published with the kind permission of both. (OUT OF PRINT)

In March 1984, having completed an epic 28,000 mile circumnavigation of the globe, John Ridgway and Andy Briggs returned to Ardmore, their original point of departure, in the far north west of Scotland. They had sailed for 203 days non-stop – further and for longer than any other pair. It was the fastest non-stop sailing passage ever made round the world. They had set sail using only their own resources, without sponsorship or insurance, and for nearly seven months neither had averaged more than three hours sleep at a time. Their 57’ ketch, English Rose VI, had fought furious storms, then encountered maddening calms on the open ocean, but it was in the Western Approaches that ferocious gales achieved what Cape Horn had not – a near-capsize of the boat.

Beginning with a brief autobiography of the two adventurers, this book examines their contrasting motives for making the voyage, the physical and psychological hardships endured, as well as the moments of pure triumph and joy. There is much practical advice for ocean-going yachtsmen and there is a great deal to fascinate any lover of a true adventure story. From the exhilaration of the Southern Ocean roller coaster and rounding Cape Horn, to the sight of the wandering albatross, the whales, the sea in all its moods and the sky darkened by Saharan dust, this book will give pleasure to the yachtsman and the armchair traveller alike.

Illustrated by Andy Briggs’ detailed line drawings and including colour photographs taken during the voyage.

Postscript in 2003 by John Ridgway. The boat has been on many trips since this non-stop circumnavigation but I’ve had few better companions than Andy Briggs.

I was 45 years old at the time and those 203 days, spent more or less on my own (I slept while Andy was on watch and vice versa), gave me an opportunity to consider my future. I have always disliked looking back, never joined clubs or attended school or regimental reunions. At all costs I wanted to avoid becoming one of those poor souls who are consumed by an internal worm of bitterness.

On Day 118, Boxing Day, I decided to make an iron rule: Forget regrets. The next 45 years must be lived always looking into the Future.

Now almost 65, the Albatross voyage of 2003/4 is an expression of this determination. The easier option is to sit quietly at home playing a bit of golf – and it is an attractive one.

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