'You begin to wonder, you really begin to wonder. Is the voyage doomed? Is something trying to tell you not to goon?' On 16 September 1984, adventurer Chay Blyth and his companion Eric Blunn set sail from New York in an attempt to beat the 150-year-old record for the fastest time under sail to San Francisco. For two-and-a-half years it had been a challenge dogged by problems, disaster and tragedy; an ill-fated voyage which many people said should never have been attempted. Despite all the warnings Chay Blyth , the man who has become one of Britain's great modern seafaring heroes, went on regardless, well aware of his daughter's farewell message - 'No guts.... no glory'.
Written by JEREMY JAMES Film editors
SHARON PEMBERTON ALLEN BARNBY
Producer DENNIS ADAMS BBC Pebble Mill
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