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The Crossing. Conquering the Atlantic in the World's Toughest Rowing Race
'Read this... Two very different men fight, play games and nearly lose their lives.' The Times
When James Cracknell and Ben Fogle decided to compete in the Atlantic Rowing Race, they thought they knew what awaited nearly three thousand miles of empty ocean, stormy weather and colossal physical stress. But their epic journey would become a living hell that tested the strength of every fibre of their being. Forty nine days later James and Ben were the first pair to cross the finishing line.They had pushed themselves physically, psychologically and emotionally to the limit. They had survived without water rations, lost the few clothes they had in a freak wave, capsized, hallucinated, played games, wept, fought, grown beards, nursed blisters and rowed 2,930 miles. They will never be the same again.
When James Cracknell and Ben Fogle decided to compete in the Atlantic Rowing Race, they thought they knew what awaited nearly three thousand miles of empty ocean, stormy weather and colossal physical stress. But their epic journey would become a living hell that tested the strength of every fibre of their being. Forty nine days later James and Ben were the first pair to cross the finishing line.They had pushed themselves physically, psychologically and emotionally to the limit. They had survived without water rations, lost the few clothes they had in a freak wave, capsized, hallucinated, played games, wept, fought, grown beards, nursed blisters and rowed 2,930 miles. They will never be the same again.
Paperback
First published May 10, 2006
About the author
Ben Fogle
41 books119 followersBen Fogle is a presenter, writer and adventurer. His achievements include racing 160 miles across the Sahara desert in the notorious Marathon Des Sables.
He has rowed the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days and crossed Antarctica in a foot race to the South Pole.
He has presented numerous programmes including BBC’s Animal Park, Wild In Africa, Countryfile, Crufts, One Man and His Dog and Extreme Dreams.
He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and the Independent and has written four bestselling books. Ben’s latest book, The Accidental Adventurer will be published by Transworld in 2011.
He is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the President of the Campaign for National Parks.
Ben is a special correspondent for NBC News in the United States, reporting from all over the world for Today, Dateline and MSNBC Nightly News.
http://www.benfogle.com/biography
He has rowed the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days and crossed Antarctica in a foot race to the South Pole.
He has presented numerous programmes including BBC’s Animal Park, Wild In Africa, Countryfile, Crufts, One Man and His Dog and Extreme Dreams.
He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and the Independent and has written four bestselling books. Ben’s latest book, The Accidental Adventurer will be published by Transworld in 2011.
He is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the President of the Campaign for National Parks.
Ben is a special correspondent for NBC News in the United States, reporting from all over the world for Today, Dateline and MSNBC Nightly News.
http://www.benfogle.com/biography
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 24, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. The dual point of view breaks up the narrative. The different personalities and tone really shines through in the alternating narratives.
August 19, 2019
Although this starts with quite a little whiff of the “born to rule over yous” with the two very well connected ex-public school boys pulling their shenanigan together in a way that would simply be inconceivable for 99% of the population, this does tell an increasingly gripping story of a very perilous ocean-crossing which is vividly brought to life so much that you feel you are on the boat with them. The honesty of their reflections, including less proud moments and some hideous skin issues, makes this a bracing and credible read and the structuring: they tell their story in the shift pattern they rowed; they restrict information from when they do not have it, so you feel like you are in their shoes, is excellent.
April 10, 2020
An excellent book which captures every emotion along their challenging journey and the true strength of determination. Inspiring!
July 11, 2026
is interesting having two perspectives of a story one ultra competitive & one just for the experience & to enjoy the trip.
it is a great feat of endurance & although inspiring doesn't inspire me to do this trip as it sounds horrible.
subsequent to this both have many adventures which are also written about which I enjoyed more than this one.
it is a great feat of endurance & although inspiring doesn't inspire me to do this trip as it sounds horrible.
subsequent to this both have many adventures which are also written about which I enjoyed more than this one.
March 6, 2013
Equally interesting as it is bromantic, this is a must-read for adventure lovers, rowers, kayakers, and their like. The story alternates between the viewpoints of both the authors, so it makes an interesting read when one of the authors says something, but the other recalls him saying something else. This will leave you pining for the bravery to embark on such an endeavor as crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and something that will change your life forever.
July 21, 2019
What a cracking read!!! This is the true story told by Ben Fogle and James Cracknell, of their experience in the Cross Atlantic race, rowing in the world’s toughest race. The story is told by both, with each giving their own version of events and it works really well. It tells their heroic battle with the sea, the emotional and psychological journey that they went through, testing their relationship to the limits. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and whole heartedly recommend it to others.
October 23, 2018
Loved this book from start to finish - written in a very honest warts and all way. Really got a feeling for their different characters. Saw Ben a couple of years ago and u can hear him narrating the book. Will admit to crying at the end. Can't decide if they are both bat shit crazy or inspirational. Well worth reading.
December 19, 2019
I read this book in 3 days! I just couldnt put it down. It made me laugh and it made me cry. What these men did is incredible. I felt like I was out there with them!
September 4, 2021
My son recommended "The Crossing" as "the kind of book you will like." It certainly is and once I began reading I didn't want to stop. I was attracted by Fogle and Cracknell being so inexperienced that they created numerous problems they then had to fix. Their different personalities and their subsequent clashes added to the drama. But most of all was their determination and exercise of will to force their bodies to what seemed impossible lengths.
Extreme exhaustion, unrelenting severe exercise, lack of sleep, agonising bodily sores, terror of the storms and high waves, capsizing, reckless doses of drugs to dull the agony, thirst and hunger, breakdown of equipment. And despite it all they kept coming back, they kept trying, they forced themselves to keep going.
How soft, fat and idle so many of us seem as we continue to be seduced by the easy modern life. Fogle and Cracknell, and many others, are examples of what the human body can endure. If we never test it, we will never know. It is our loss.
Extreme exhaustion, unrelenting severe exercise, lack of sleep, agonising bodily sores, terror of the storms and high waves, capsizing, reckless doses of drugs to dull the agony, thirst and hunger, breakdown of equipment. And despite it all they kept coming back, they kept trying, they forced themselves to keep going.
How soft, fat and idle so many of us seem as we continue to be seduced by the easy modern life. Fogle and Cracknell, and many others, are examples of what the human body can endure. If we never test it, we will never know. It is our loss.
October 22, 2025
An engaging and remarkably honest account of endurance, resilience and friendship across the Atlantic Ocean. I opted for the Audible version, perhaps a slight cheat, but hearing both James and Ben narrate their experiences added a compelling depth and authenticity to the story. Their contrasting personalities and approaches to the challenge make for fascinating listening.
Ben, often underestimated, demonstrates quiet grit and emotional strength, while James’s unwavering determination and competitive drive are nothing short of formidable. Together, they embody the power of perseverance and teamwork. A truly inspiring story told with candour and heart, and a reminder of what can be achieved when ambition meets resilience.
Ben, often underestimated, demonstrates quiet grit and emotional strength, while James’s unwavering determination and competitive drive are nothing short of formidable. Together, they embody the power of perseverance and teamwork. A truly inspiring story told with candour and heart, and a reminder of what can be achieved when ambition meets resilience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2018
When I picked up this book, I had no idea that there existed World Championships to row across an ocean! It had caught my attention immediately, and the book turned out to be truly unputdownable.
The back and forth narration, really gives a sense of how differently 2 people view the incidents in hindsight that occurred under overwhelming pressure. A great sign of realism.
Absolutely amazing! Makes me yearn for adventures so badly. Their motivations, the discipline, the troubles, the grit, the uncertainties, the calm, the determination and finally that joy, that relief.
Thoroughly enjoyed!!
The back and forth narration, really gives a sense of how differently 2 people view the incidents in hindsight that occurred under overwhelming pressure. A great sign of realism.
Absolutely amazing! Makes me yearn for adventures so badly. Their motivations, the discipline, the troubles, the grit, the uncertainties, the calm, the determination and finally that joy, that relief.
Thoroughly enjoyed!!
March 20, 2021
An incredible tale of adventure and resilience.
Ben Doyle and James Cracknell seen like an unlikely duo, but rowing 3000 mile across the Atlantic Ocean can certainly change that. This is a tale of adventure, perseverance, resilience and determination. I'd 100% recommend this book and others by both men. It's well worth the money.
Ben Doyle and James Cracknell seen like an unlikely duo, but rowing 3000 mile across the Atlantic Ocean can certainly change that. This is a tale of adventure, perseverance, resilience and determination. I'd 100% recommend this book and others by both men. It's well worth the money.
December 24, 2018
Really really good.
Hearing the psychology of the arguments, loneliness, inner voices, decisions from onboard from the 2 quite different personalities is really engaging.
The trip was full of (major)disasters so it makes for a great tale too.
Hearing the psychology of the arguments, loneliness, inner voices, decisions from onboard from the 2 quite different personalities is really engaging.
The trip was full of (major)disasters so it makes for a great tale too.
December 20, 2019
"I'm rowing across the Atlantic next year, do you want to do it with me?"
This is a really emotionally rich account of how two different people have to combine as a team to complete an almost impossible task. A really strong read, I couldn't put it down.
This is a really emotionally rich account of how two different people have to combine as a team to complete an almost impossible task. A really strong read, I couldn't put it down.
March 10, 2022
This was a gripping page turner. My disbelief that anyone would want to take on a challenge as physically and mentally gruelling as this was mixed with hope as the miles passed and delight and pride as the finish line approached, as if these two men were my brothers or friends.
November 6, 2025
A cracking tale at its heart but also a very interesting look into the psychology of the mind both for athletes and regular people and how the human body copes in such extreme circumstances. A truly impressive feat that was thrilling to read about.
October 28, 2019
Absolutely fantastic reading, I felt transported right onto the boat with them. Highly recommended!
December 2, 2019
Fantastic page turner
I could not put this book down. It is emotional and amazing how they could survive a trip like this.
I could not put this book down. It is emotional and amazing how they could survive a trip like this.
March 26, 2020
Outstanding. Made me laugh and cry. 2 brave and ridiculous men.
May 1, 2020
I loved this book's raw honesty, it was a breath of fresh air as far as true story accounts go. One of my all time favourite books.
May 24, 2020
Absolutely brilliant, and utterly inspirational! Loved this!
May 30, 2020
It didn't sound like a fun adventure. Too many tears and arguments for my liking but it was interesting enough. 3.5 stars
February 6, 2021
What a tough time they had. I felt emotional at the end of this book when they finished the race.
April 24, 2021
As a coastal rower, this book appealed to me as it goes - slightly - beyond our normal routes and distances. As a cynic, when it comes to self-help and motivational books, this is more my cup of tea.
October 25, 2021
Totally captivating
It might have been a while ago now, but I was so hooked on this book that I read it in 2 days. Such an amazing feat and a great account of it!
It might have been a while ago now, but I was so hooked on this book that I read it in 2 days. Such an amazing feat and a great account of it!
January 2, 2023
Very interesting and inspiring read to undertake such a challenge
March 29, 2024
Amazing story.
January 20, 2025
Brilliant book, super insightful into some of the physiological and physically effects of a long ocean passage (and lots of rowing). Easy to read and very inspiring, would highly recommend
January 5, 2026
V enjoyable read. Especially seeing how contrasting characters of James & Ben cope with one another, let alone with all manner of obstacles.
January 8, 2026
Listened rather than read and excellent raw account of two people bonding under a difficult challenge.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews