A Race Too Far

The true story of the tragic round-the-world yacht race - now the subject of The Mercy, starring Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz

In 1968, the Sunday Times organised the Golden Globe race¿an incredible test of endurance never before attempted¿a round the world yacht race that must be completed single-handed and non-stop.

This remarkable challenge inspired those daring to enter¿with or without sailing experience. A Race Too Far is the story of how the race unfolded, and how it became a tragedy for many involved.

Of the nine sailors who started the race, four realised the madness of the undertaking and pulled out within weeks. The remaining five each have their own remarkable story. Chay Blyth, fresh from rowing the Atlantic with John Ridgway, had no sailing experience but managed to sail round the Cape of Good Hope before retiring. Nigel Tetley sank while in the lead with 1,100 nautical miles to go, surviving but dying in tragic circumstan