In 1968, the Sunday Occasions organised the Golden Globe race – an incredible test of endurance nothing you’ve seen prior attempted – a round the world yacht race that must definitely be completed single-handed and non-stop, entering port for repairs or supplies means disqualification.

This remarkable challenge inspired the daring to enter – with or without sailing experience. A Competition Too Far may be the story of the way the competition unfolded, and how it became a tragedy for many involved.

Of the nine sailors who started the in regards to a Race Too Far race, four realised the madness from the undertaking and pulled out within weeks. The rest of the five each have their own exceptional tale. Chay Blyth, clean from rowing the Atlantic with John Ridgway, experienced no sailing knowledge but were able to sail round the Cape of Great Wish before retiring. Nigel Tetley sank whilst in the lead with 1,100 nautical miles to go, making it through but dying in tragic situations two years later. Donald Crowhurst began showing indications of mental illness and tried to fake a round the world voyage. His vessel was uncovered adrift in an obvious suicide, but his body was under no circumstances discovered. Bernard Moitessier deserted the competition whilst in a solid position and carried on to Tahiti, where he settled and fathered a kid by an area woman despite possessing a wife and family in Paris. Robin Knox-Johnston was the only one to full the race.

It has undoubtedly become the most legendary of modern tales of men pitting themselves against the sea. Forty years on, Chris Eakin recreates the episode from the epic race, talking to those touched by the tragedies encircling the Golden World: the survivors, the widows and the children of those who died. It is a reserve that both evokes the principal wonder of the adventure itself and displays on what it has come to mean to both those included and ordinary people in the forty years since.