Book info

• Title The Crossing
• Author James Cracknell
• Year 2006
• Genre Sports

When James Cracknell and Ben Fogle decided to compete in the Atlantic Rowing Race, they thought they knew what awaited them: nearly three thousand miles of empty ocean, stormy weather and colossal physical stress. But their epic journey would become a living hell that tested the strength of every fibre of their being. Forty nine days later James and Ben were the first pair to cross the finishing line.They had pushed themselves physically, psychologically and emotionally to the limit. They had survived without water rations, lost the few clothes they had in a freak wave, capsized, hallucinated, played games, wept, fought, grown beards, nursed blisters and rowed 2,930 miles. They will never be the same again.

Thoughts

I’m always in awe of people who decide to do crazy things like row across an entire ocean - but to do it with someone you barely know is even more of an endeavour. Ben Fogle and James Cracknell seem like the most unlikeliest of rowing partners and were it not for a slightly drunken moment of bravery from Ben, it might never have happened!

The book chronicles the moment from Ben popping the question, to their limited preparation, to the epic journey itself and the inevitable aftermath. It’s told from both their points of view and I was surprised how very honest it was. The two are quite horrible about each other through most of the book. Granted it was a hugely stressful situation to be in, but their open hostility at times is incredible!

Nevertheless, despite some pretty serious catastrophes along the way, the pair make it to the finish line, in varying degrees of health. It’s a cracking read to follow their progress, one of those books that makes you think you can probably do anything you set your mind to - but equally that it’s much nicer to sit and home and read about it instead!

Rating: 4 / 5