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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Graeme Kendall’s To The Ice and Beyond recounts his record-breaking solo Northwest Passage navigation, a thrilling tale of survival and extraordinary willpower amidst life-threatening challenges.
To The Ice And Beyond
In the crowded world of sailing memoirs, To The Ice And Beyond by New Zealand yachtsman Graeme Kendall stands out as a singular achievement. This is no ordinary tale of wind and waves; it’s a gripping fusion of technical mastery, high-stakes adventure, and vivid storytelling that plunges readers into the icy splendor of the Arctic’s Northwest Passage. More than just a recounting of a voyage, Kendall’s book chronicles a dream pursued with relentless determination, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a sailor who dared to conquer some of the planet’s most treacherous waters—alone.
At the heart of the narrative is Astral Express, Kendall’s purpose-built yacht, a marvel of engineering designed specifically for the brutal conditions of Arctic extremes. The book details the yacht’s creation, blending technical insight with the palpable excitement of a vessel crafted for a mission few would contemplate. This isn’t just a boat; it’s a character in its own right, a testament to ingenuity and a partner in Kendall’s audacious quest. Readers are drawn into the meticulous planning behind its construction, a process as compelling as the journey itself.
The journey, however, is where To The Ice And Beyond truly shines. For 193 days, Kendall navigated 28,000 miles of ocean solo, facing nature’s fiercest challenges with nothing but his wits, his yacht, and an unshakable resolve. The pinnacle of this odyssey came when he became the first person to sail the Northwest Passage solo non-stop, a feat accomplished in a mere 12 days—the fastest recorded time. Often dubbed the “Everest of sailing,” this east-to-west passage through the Arctic’s ice-choked waters is a test of endurance and skill that few have mastered, and Kendall’s account brings every heart-pounding moment to life.
What sets this memoir apart is its ability to weave practical insight with raw adventure. Kendall doesn’t shy away from the nuts and bolts of his endeavor—readers learn not only how he survived but how he thrived in the face of isolation and danger. Yet, the technical details never overshadow the storytelling. His prose captures the stark beauty of the Arctic, the tension of navigating uncharted waters, and the quiet triumph of a man pushing beyond the limits of what’s possible.
With over 450 glowing reader reviews, To The Ice And Beyond has struck a chord with a wide audience—sailors, explorers, and armchair adventurers alike. It’s a story of rugged courage and resilience, but at its core, it’s an invitation: to dream big, to plan meticulously, and to never give up. Kendall’s solo circumnavigation is more than a personal victory; it’s an inspiration to anyone who’s ever felt the pull of the unknown.
In a world where adventure often feels out of reach, To The Ice And Beyond reminds us that with determination and a well-built boat, even the iciest horizons can be conquered.
Graeme Kendall
Graeme Kendall is a seasoned sailor whose life has been shaped by the sea, with a wealth of experience spanning ocean racing and global voyages. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, he took to sailing as a teenager, a passion that evolved into a remarkable career. As an adult, he has owned an impressive array of vessels, including cruising, racing, and classic heritage yachts such as Galatea and Pastime, each reflecting his deep connection to the maritime world.
His sailing resume boasts notable achievements. In 1986, Kendall competed in the prestigious Whitbread Round The World Race aboard NZI Enterprise with skipper Digby Taylor, testing his skills on one of sailing’s grandest stages. The following year, he teamed up with friend Stan Pearson to race his yacht Astral Rose in the inaugural two-handed Melbourne to Osaka Race, showcasing his versatility and grit in competitive sailing.
Beyond the water, Kendall has carved out a successful life on land. Self-employed since age 25, his business ventures have ranged from farming to residential property development, demonstrating the same tenacity that defines his sailing. Now based in Auckland, he works as a charter yacht skipper, sharing his expertise with others while staying close to the ocean that has long been his muse.
For all his accomplishments, Kendall’s boyhood dream remained unfulfilled until later in life: to sail solo through the Northwest Passage. This ambition, born in his youth, would eventually drive him to undertake an extraordinary journey, cementing his legacy as a sailor of rare determination and skill.
Find more from Graeme Kendall now:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3E6l7xB
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4jaA0OA
Audio CD: https://amzn.to/4iLm8KL
Audible: https://amzn.to/4jsBowb
Amazon Audiobook: https://apple.co/4c8NkAo
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