The Proving Ground – Reviews

“A page-turner.”
– Washington Post

“Harrowing”
– The New York Times

“Pulse-pounding.”
– People

“What a fantastic adventure story this is.”
– Esquire

“The most marvelous sailing documentary I have ever read—brilliantly executed, poignant, comprehensive, enticing.”
– William F. Buckley, Jr.

“Knecht has turned out a sailing masterpiece. His incredibly detailed research, even down to the actual or reconstructed dialogue of the crews of the boats and of the desperate rescuers, makes for a tale more thrilling than fiction. The book is in the ‘can’t put it down’ category. It is the Perfect Storm of blue-water sailboat racing.” ­
– Walter Cronkite

“Reconstructs a tragedy at sea…vividly re-creates a series of frightening events…a compelling, insightful look at sailors’ dedication to their sport, no matter what the risks.”
– San Francisco Chronicle

“A fascinating ‘you are there’ sequence of events…in vivid detail and high drama…delves into the mystifying mind-set of those willing risk their lives for danger’s sake…has a powerful impact.”
– Denver Rocky Mountain News

“Insightful, engaging…powerful drama….This is adventure writing at its best.”
– ­Detroit Free Press

“A gripping account…vividly captures not only the ocean’s fury but also the sheer terror of the competitors.”
– San Jose Mercury News

“The detail is impressive and the narrative is compelling.”
– The Times (London)

“Conveys the passionate love sailors have for the sea.”
– USA Today

“An excellent narrative…joins the best books in the genre with its equal parts adventure and disaster story, plus insights into the why-they-do-it.”
– Toronto Star

“The story is every bit as powerful as its literary antecedents. It is combat without bullets.”
– United States Naval Institute

“Knecht recounts the race at a breathless edge-of-the-sea pace.”
– Outside

“A guaranteed adrenaline rush.”
– Orange County Register

“FIVE STARS….Knecht captures acts of heroism and frailty, but in a display of astonishing writerly discipline, he never judges.”
– Jeff Bezos

“Vivid….powerful…..Knecht is at his best when detailing the volatile world of competitive sailing.”
– Men’s Journal

“Engrossing…..a different Perfect Storm, writ large and with an expanded cast.”
– Richmond Times-Dispatch

“A gripping, horrific page-turner…one of the most exciting sea stories of the last few years.”
– Publisher’s Weekly

“Commanding…spellbinding.”
– Kirkus Reviews