The author examines the relationship between man and ocean from the early voyages of exploration to the development of maritime trade routes, the great ocean liners and the record-breaking exploits of modern sailing and powerboats. It is a story of determination, of fortune, fear, foolhardiness, success and failure, too. But above all, it’s a tale of continuing challenge. “History” is an inadequate word to describe the contents of these pages; this is a unique perspective, compiled by an author who has seen the Atlantic in all its mood and is particurarly well qualified to observe and comment.