Bernard Moitessier was in the lead and nearing the finish of the Golden Cup—a solo circumnavigation of the world—when he abandoned the race and set his course for a personal journey that would conclude three months later in Tahiti. Moitessier himself recounts the story of his personal quest in lyrical and though-provoking prose.

The Long Way is Bernard Moitessier's own incredible story of his participation in the first Golden Globe Race, a solo, non-stop circumnavigation rounding the three great Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and the Horn. For seven months, the veteran seafarer battled storms, doldrums, gear-failures, knock-downs, as well as overwhelming fatigue and loneliness. Then, nearing the finish, Moitessier pulled out of the race and sailed on for another three months before ending his 37,455-mile journey in Tahiti. Not once had he touched land.