Last Voyages

“This is an unusual and absorbing book. The subject matter is not as depressing as it sounds. Nicholas Gray has succeeded in making it more of a celebration of the lives and achievements of these remarkable people. They all lived life to the full, and Last Voyages is a very fitting tribute.” (Royal Cruising Club)“Breath-taking accounts of events that led to the tragic seafaring deaths of seventeen people….in a captivating easy-to-read style, each page crammed with information and insights… a ‘must-read’ for anyone contemplating a serious sea voyage or offshore race.” (Cruising Association)“These memoirs are just as much a celebration of the good – tales of hope, achievement and courageous spirit – as they are an account of the tragic final voyages.” (All At Sea)“I really enjoyed Last Voyages. At first glance the subject matter might sound depressing or even morbid… The tone is calm and factual, avoiding any hint of sensationalism to be found in other books on similar themes… He is also an outstandingly good writer… In each case the author tells us first about the person’s life and, in many cases, their very significant achievements in the world of sailing. Only then does he lead into the voyage which led to their death… Very highly recommended.” (Flying Fish)“He progresses beyond an account of a voyage to a much richer character portrait, allowing the reader to share both the challenges of these ambitious voyages and what the sailor was going through. The sailors are a remarkable collection.” (Yachting Life)

Nicholas Gray has sailed all his life and owned 14 boats. He raced trimarans short-handed and has competed in the Round Britain & Ireland and Azores and Back races, winning his class in both. During this time he competed against many of the sailors featured in this book. He has worked in Merchant Banking, as a solicitor and in the petroleum industry. He has also had an interest in a sailmaking company and owned a boatyard specialising in the restoration of classic wooden boats.