Taking the Helm: America's Top Woman Sailor Tells Her Story

The Whitbread Round-the-World Race does not involve circumnavigating the globe but negotiating some of the most dangerous waters on earth. It proceeds from England to Uruguay to Australia to New Zealand to Uruguay to Florida and back to England. Riley became captain of the U.S. Women's Challenge (later the Heineken) in the 1993-94 race after a near-mutiny caused the original skipper to leave after the first leg, so obviously her situation was a difficult one. Nevertheless she captained the ship successfully through the other legs, despite all manner of bad weather and failing equipment, including a malfunctioning rudder. With the aid of freelance marine journalist Flanagan, she tells of the race's vicissitudes and adds a romantic touch, as her engagement to another seafarer on a different voyage hangs in the balance. Women should derive particular satisfaction from the tale of the 12 of their number who won the Whitbread. Illustrations not seen by PW. (May)