The eldest son of the Prime Minister of Great Britain is part of the crew of the catamaran Xylonite. The yacht has been entered into a demanding race around Antarctica. The Xylonite has ceased reporting her position and seems to have gone missing. Irregularities in the building and crewing of the catamaran are uncovered but is it a case of a storm breaking her up or is there a more sinister reason behind the disappearance? Al Qaeda are suspected but there is no conclusive proof. A story of abduction and blackmail for commercial gain.