Capsized

by James Nalepka

Book Overview

In April 1989 four men set sail for Tonga from New Zealand. Three days out they ran into a gale and their boat capsized. The men huddled together in a tiny compartment in the hull. A strong will to live bound them together as each man's strength and character was truly tested. James Nalepka was one of the four, and Steven Callahan is the bestselling author of Adrift.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060179619
• ISBN13: 9780060179618
• Release Date: September 1992
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 221 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

what an ordeal

I guarantee you will be fatigued after reading this gripping account of a 119 day drift in the roaring 40's off the coast of New Zealand. Due to some freaky currents, the four men aboard actually ended up making a circle to the north and then back to the west towards New Zealand. While on board, they projected that they'd be heading toward South America and it is scary to note there just ain't anything between the two places. This is a very well done account of the day to day life and how little by little the four men come together at least enough to learn how to subsist off the sea. They were very lucky in that they had lots of food on board to start because it took them a while to learn how to catch fish. You'll never look at fish guts the same way -- they used EVERY part of the fish. The author does a good job showing the shifting friendships and loyalties -- not surprising considering the small space they shared for 4 months. This is more than the typical survival book in that the author follows up with one of the survivor's fight with cancer almost immediately when he returned. Thus, the end of the book is bittersweet with one of the men dying after he made many key personal realizations about himself and his life. An excellent adventure read with some insights into friendship as well.

Outstanding

I am extremely impressed with every word and description from Mr. Callahan and enjoyed this book immensly; I cannot rate it high enough. His story and message truly comes alive as I become apart of the despair and continuous struggles these men experience. I am there with them, soaking it all in from hidden eyes. Mr. Callahan's writing is supurb; I cannot put this book down. When I am finished I rush to search for more books he has written as this author has become one of my favorites; I thurst for him as a capsized victom myself with no water. Give me more! Most of all, thank you.

Hope this never happens to you

I am sure most people have a nagging thought when they board water craft; that the possibility of sinking could occur. After that thought comes to mind, we attempt to push it to the back, unwilling to contemplate the horrible scenario. Unfortunately, for these 4 men, the possibility becomes reality. Even more frightening, this book is a true story. What occurs is a never ending nightmare and a struggle for survival beyond imagination. Four men board a trimaran for a pleasure cruise, encounter a gale that inverts the craft. They must use all of their physical and mental resources to cope with the challenges before them. At first, they hope for a timely rescue, but as days turn into weeks, they realize that they have been literally given up for dead. The book delves into the men's minds and lives while detailing their heroic attempts to save themselves. They feel all the emotions of desperate souls and face situations that no man should have to consider. This is a gripping account of a terrible accident on the high seas. One will conclude this book with one thought, "hope this never happens to me."

Amazing story

Amazing story, expertly told. May be the best "set adrift" book out there.

Excellent survival story, relates how much men can take!

After reading Steven Callahan's ADRIFT, I picked this up. Whereas Steve's own experience pitted him alone against the elements, this book pits 4 men together against the elements and their frustrations throughout it all. They managed to survive in the upsidedown hull of a trimaran (they termed "the cave") for four months, the four of them sleeping on one bed less than 4' wide. Very gripping reading, one of those you may well finish (all 200+ pages) in a single sitting