Emma Richards won the hearts of many when she became the first British woman and youngest ever competitor to complete the Around Alone in May 2003.

Alone at sea, she battled through raging storms, coped with numerous disasters including spending five hours in freezing conditions carrying out repairs to her sail at the top of the mast. And then, just when she thought things couldn’t get much worse, she found herself being stalked by pirates off the Spanish coast in the middle of the night.

Emma’s full story of her epic round the world adventure was launched today at the Southampton Boatshow so unfortunately we’ve only managed to read a few chapters. If however, the final section of the book is anything like the first, this book is well worth the read.

Emma Richards Around Aloneis available in hardback at the Southampton Boat Show for a special launch price of £15, and if you’re lucky you could even get hold of a signed copy. Emma will be signing copies during the show tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday.

Book signing schedule

Sunday 12 September – 1100-1200 – Raymarine Stand (G64), 1400-1500 – Henri Lloyd stand (E20)

Monday 13 September – 1100-1200 – Harken stand (D9) 1400-1500 Raymarine stand (G64)