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The classic of ocean sailing: Bernard Moitessier abandoned the first non-stop single-handed race around the world in 1969 shortly before the finish and disappeared into the South Seas for years.

Moitessier was considered the likely winner of the well-paid 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Yacht Race when, after rounding the third of the great capes (Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn) in the Atlantic, he turned away to "save his soul". Renouncing fame and the cash prize, he cemented his legendary reputation as a philosopher among circumnavigators and coined statements such as: "A long ocean voyage is the shortest way to yourself."

At the time, however, the whole world initially shook its head in disbelief when the Frenchman sailed to the solitude of the Tahitian Islands instead of the English harbour. His book "La longue route" (original title of the book) describes the background to his decision. In addition to vivid descriptions of the wildlife of the three great oceans, the skies over the southern hemisphere and the struggle for survival on his 39-foot yacht JOSHUA, Moitessier also provides deep insights into the world of his thoughts.

With his attention to detail, depth of thought and great enthusiasm, Bernard Moitessier still captivates every sailing enthusiast today.

50 years after the legendary Golden Globe Race in 1968/69, which Sir Robin Knox-Johnston won as the first non-stop single-handed circumnavigator (and only finisher), the Golden Globe Race 2018 and La Longue Route 2018 are two commemorative round-the-world races for single-handed sailors. The Golden Globe Race 2022/23 was won by South African Kirsten Neuschäfer.

272 pages, 30 photos, 7 maps, 41 drawings, format 13.5 x 21.5 cm, paperback. German edition.

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TAMATA / Bernard Moitessier
description: TAMATA
The last book by Bernard Moitessier.The unconventional autobiography of the philosopher among single-handed sailors in German translation for the first time."In his autobiography, Bernard Moitessier takes very personal stock of a truly eventful life. Tamata is much more than sailing. It is the story of an unusual, lived dream. In short, an explanation of why this 'vagabond of the seas' has become a great sailing legend. Tamata is a book for Moitessier lovers and long-distance sailors. It answers the questions of all those who dream of the horizon of the South Seas and life under palm trees." So writes the German circumnavigator Wilfried Erdmann in his foreword to TAMATA - Memories of a Sailor.524 pages, 18 illustrations and 37 photos, format 13 x 20 cm, hardcover, dust jacket. German edition.

€34.95 *