A Daring True Story

"Truly an epic of adventure and perseverance, this is great inspiration for anyone who thinks of someday tackling the impossible." (Clive Cussler, New York Times best-selling author)

On June 10, 2006, four college friends stepped into a 29-foot rowboat as the only American competitors in the first North Atlantic Rowing Race.

From the initial idea and chaotic race planning to heaving through cold ocean swells, author and lead rower Jordan Hansen takes us along as the crew heads out from New York Harbor, racing against three other teams; catches the elusive Gulf Stream current; and makes the final dramatic push for the finish line off the coast of England. Hurricane-level winds, giant ocean eddies, passing freighters, and sharks are all elements of the journey, while the tension on board comes to a head on Day 17—with another 55 days to go when the crew realizes their supplies are running out and they must drastically ration their food.

The race is set against the backdrop of Jordan's own reflections on both his biological father, who passed away many years earlier, and his stepfather. Combined with the details of how he and his teammates cope within the confines of their tiny boat, and their determination to push their limits, it creates a remarkable coming-of-age story—and an intimate account full of thrilling adventure and compelling emotion.

"A beautiful sense of place and a compelling portrait of four men locked in an epic struggle with the ocean and, occasionally; with themselves. Gripping." (Roz Savage, first woman to row three oceans and author of Rowing the Atlantic)

“Too often in our lives we are told what we cannot do. Hanssen's story deftly accomplishes the opposite. It might not catapult you into a rowboat, but be warned; you may be enticed to alter course." (Jill Fredston, author of Rowing to Latitude)