Day 1 for the FCS ARC Crew in the Atlantic Ocean

ARC Crew get off to a lively start. 40 knot winds, 1 meter swells above the helm, shooting stars..

Monday 23 Nov 2015
Race Day 1 of the ARC

Carnage of sea, big boats and spray at the start of the race. Challenger 1 crossed the line astern and kept pace with us for a time however after we put in a stealthy gybe they haven’t been seen again. 😀

Home for 14 days or so at sea

The day went quickly with strong winds and a maximum of 40 knots through what is called the “acceleration zone” along the side of the Canary Island.

The night bought a full moon, shooting stars and massive swells, up to 1 m above the helmsman’s head. Felt like we
were following Orion’s belt.

A few have suffered from sea sickness and are recovering well; whilst others discovered the joys of helming downwind in the dark. Only real down note was the big green wave pouring through a forgotten hatch onto Kirsty’s bed, while she was in it!

Cooks are producing cracking meals thanks to raw talent and an extremely well provisioned boat. What will we do with so many mangos is yet to be seen.

Sending lots of love to Isa, Toby and daddy. Hope you have found the hair brush – Begonia

They say a bad day at sea is way better than a good day at work. They just might be right -Mark

You can follow Challenger 3 via the following link: http://www.worldcruising.com/arc/arc/eventfleetviewer.aspx (Choose Las Palmas to St Lucia)

Posted by: First Class Sailing