Pen Duick.

TABARLY, Eric. Translated by Len Ortzen.

Item Number: 112931

London: Adlard Coles Limited, 1970.

First edition in English of French Navy officer and yachtsman Eric Tabarly’s account of his experiences improving and sailing his gaff-rigged cutter Pen Duick. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated with photographs, charts and diagrams. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in his 10-story high balloon Spirit of Freedom. He completed the 2002 trip in 13 days, 8 hours, and 33 minutes and set records for both the Longest Distance Flown Solo in a Balloon and Fastest Balloon Flight Around the World. Fossett was also one of sailing’s most prolific distance record holders set the Absolute World Speed Record for airships with a Zeppelin NT in 2004. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career including aviation’s highest award, the Gold Medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which he was awarded in 2002. Fossett disappeared on September 3, 2007 while flying a light aircraft over the Great Basin Desert, between Nevada and California. Near fine in a near fine price-clipped dust jacket. Jacket photograph by Neptune Nautisme.

The name Pen Duick is synonymous with the search for perfection in ocean racing. Eric Tabarly's obsession with the design, continuing development and improvement of hulls, rigging and gear is at the heart of this stoic account.