In 1974 novelist Clare Francis threw in her job and began her search for adventure on the oceans of the world.

Within five years she had completed two singlehanded crossings of the Atlantic, becoming the fastest woman ever to do so, and skippered ADC Accutrac's 11-person crew in their challenge for yachting's ultimate prize - the Whitbread Round The World Trophy. This book tells of her triumphs over loneliness, terrifying gales and mountainous seas.