Near Death on the High Seas

by: Cecil Kuhne, Editor

Published by: Vintage

Reviewed by Jeff Foster

Near Death on the High Seas is a compilation of condensed experiences from twelve different events that have taken place over the last fifty years. From Thor Heyerdahl and “Kon-Tiki” sailing across the Pacific in a reed raft to the modern, highly sophisticated craft the endured force 12 winds only ten years ago in the annual Sidney to Hobart race that nearly wiped out the entire fleet.

We have all heard of the hardships and trials that men and women have related to the world about the various competitions and exploits that modern sailors have endured while sailing the world’s oceans. You already know that sailing on the world’s oceans is a dangerous business.

These stories are told by the men and women that experienced them. You hear of the bone-chilling cold while sailing at 40 degrees south in seas that can reach the height of a six-story building. You will stand beside sailors as they turn into the wind and backtrack along a compass bearing to rescue fellow sailors whose craft have succumbed to the whim of a rogue wave and have stepped off into a life raft with no hope of rescue before they freeze to death.

Cecil Kuhne has the easy job here. All had to do was edit these fantastic stories into a wonderful book. The people that narrate these accounts actually lived through them!

Armchair Interviews says: For anyone that has pondered sailing solo across the sea, this is a must read.