DAREDEVILS OF THE ATLANTIC: Unusual Crossings in Unlikely Vessels

The Atlantic Ocean separates two great continents, and men—and it has usually been the male species—have regularly sought new ways to cross ‘the pond.’ “Daredevils of the Atlantic” chronicles the exploits of this extraordinary breed of adventurers and fortune-seekers who sometimes succeeded—and sometimes failed–at crossing the Atlantic. Not all of them used boats; some sailed, others used engines, some paddled and rowed, a few tried to swim, one man used a barrel, and another even claims to have walked across.

This book is about these people: some wise and thoughtful, others reckless and frankly crazy; some well-prepared, others impetuous and disorganized; some were skilled and proficient, who understood the risks and made careful preparations, whilst other attempts seemed to be cooked up on little more than a whim. In the world of crossing the Atlantic—as in life—it takes all sorts…

All of these adventurers have one thing in common; they launched themselves on a voyage of personal challenge and discovery, during which they all put their lives on the line. For that reason alone, we should take our (sailing) hats off to them.