The Endurance expedition is an example of truth being stranger than fiction - a remarkable tale of adventure and leadership:

"Scott for scientific method, Amundsen for speed and efficiency but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton."

The voyage of the James Caird must account as one of the greatest bits of seamanship in history:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyage_of_the_James_Caird