"If a big wave came at the wrong moment, it would sweep me off into forty-eight-degree water, where I might last twenty minutes. Drowning quickly might be better."

“Slowly, my brain let me in on the fact that I had just come this close to dying.”

“The winds were blowing from west to east, pushing Abby’s boat toward the rocks as Abby struggled with the autopilots below. If Wild Eyes reached those islands, she wouldn’t run aground, keel in the sand. She would be smashed into pieces.”

“I saw the loose tiller jolt hard to the side as the boat began to spin.”

“The things that happen on the sea take you beyond yourself, beyond human capability.”

“When I saw the plane, I was absolutely astonished! Two emotions crashed over me: surging joy and crazy fear.”

“I will definitely attempt to sail around the world again. In fact, I can’t wait for the chance to try again.”