John Otterbacher

Doctor, Professor John Otterbacher despite being fit and active in long distance marathons suffers from a heart attack. By juggling with his private practice in Psychology, and with his wife and John Ryan, his elder son, all helping to interest and care for his two “pony-legged” young daughters, he is able to fit in time in his hard-run life for the necessary heart surgeries. Eight of them.

The book describes his battling of challenges most would be hard-pressed to meet, but the author – and his strongly supporting wife Barbara – wanted more than just survival and a life. John negotiates Doctor to Doctor with his eminent Cardiac team to gain the right to restore, modify and complete an enormous sailing cruiser. With the help of many teasing and joshing friends the entire yacht is refurbished, special teenage girl needs met in the accommodation, practices suspended, houses let, furniture stored – between cardiac collapse and major open-heart surgery – the family prepare John for his ambition of cross Atlantic and Caribbean sailing.

Amazingly John’s story continues, with a subtle wit, immense ‘grit’, tremendous and loving support he does finish Grace, his yacht, and sails her over 4,000 miles. Now John Ryan, his son, is progressing Hollywood film possibilities, John tours and lectures to help others face this terrible disease – little wonder then that the book was renamed for international readers to marvel and enjoy as Outrageous Grace.

As the author notes, those who read the book of this families courage and long-distance sailing will; “travel with us”.… (plus d'informations)