REVIEW: Oceans Alone

Nigel Cherrie reviews Rebecca Hayter's biography of Kiwi Mini sailor Chris Sayer

It was ten years ago that Chris Sayer, a Kiwi teenager, first dreamed of competing in the Mini-Transat; the solo race across the Atlantic for undersized and overpowered yachts. It was to be pathway to a longer journey, to race around the world on an Open 60 but in the meantime one ocean would do.

In that decade Sayer has hand-built three Mini class 21ft yachts, sunk one, become one of three non-Frenchmen to stand on the race’s podium (in 1999) and stuck two fingers up to French politics that denied him an entry in the 2003 race - he sailed the course as a pirate entry anyhow.

Chris Sayer is now as synonymous with the Mini as Tana Umaga is to a rugby ball, less the wealth and national adulation. But now the unsung hero of New Zealand yachting has gone public with his biography Oceans Alone, written by Rebecca Hayter.

Oceans Alone is more than just a yacht racing account: it is an insight into how a seemingly absurd little-known race on the other side of the world shaped his life. Above all, it is a superb tale of triumph over adversity.

The book charts Sayer’s out-of-the-ordinary early years cruising the Pacific and Indian Oceans on his parents’ yacht. During that time Sayer quickly developed a taste for adventure and grew confident in his ability to tackle it alone.

On returning to New Zealand he realised that a Mini Transat campaign was substantially more expensive than a new qualified boat builders meagre salary. But a 21-year-old's tenacity - and naivety - are powerful tools of persuasion.

One of those that brought into Chris' dream was John Welsford, designer of the first of Sayer’s three yachts: “Let me tell you something about Chris Sayer,” he says. “Shy, yes. Tall, angular and seemingly awkward but as conversation progresses there emerges a personality of exceptional intelligence, drive and determination.

“He’s the sort of man who will face totally overwhelming odds with an unassuming quiet confidence that generates a faith and willingness to follow those around him.”

Hayter’s biggest coup with Oceans Alone was getting such a humble man to speak candidly about the times of low ebb; no money, the dramatic loss of a yacht in the Tasman, the atrocious weather and his constant battle with seasickness. Here is a man more afraid of letting down all those that invested money or faith than any storm at sea.

At present the book (ISBN 18695046660) seems to be only available in Australia NZ (check out...his publisher's link here). You can buy it directly from Australia - here.