First time competitor – Challenger 3 crew member Caroline Padbury’s sailing story

Caroline at the helm of Challenger 3

Although I’ve grown-up on sailing boats I have never competed, trained or qualified for anything. In recent years, I haven’t had the opportunity to do as much as I would like, so I have signed-up for the Challenger 3 crew in the 2013 Rolex Fastnet to reintroduce into my life the freedom, adrenaline and challenge of being at sea.

When you are sailing it is simply you, and the vast seas around you.  A fantastically raw and natural existence that puts our busy western lives into perspective.

The 2013 Rolex Fastnet gave me the opportunity to challenge myself in a new way, and in a way completely opposite to my daily corporate city based job. Having spent my childhood by the sea I have always enjoyed water sports, so the Fastnet race seemed like a perfect choice.

As with other members of the crew it seems that the watches are the most challenging aspect, and for me the worst bit is getting up for a 3am in freezing rainy weather!

On the bright side the sunrise off Salcombe, 50 boats around us, perfect sea, was a really magical moment. And I also have to say the people are fabulous, it is a great crew of truly inspiring individuals.

And for the Fastnet Race itself I don’t think you can ever be entirely ready for it, especially as you are working against the elements – but I do feel the training has built us into competent competitors and I’m surprised by how easily and quickly you can overcome seasickness.

The training has been intelligently pulled together – to ensure we understand all elements of the boat, but operate within our capabilities.  We have been pushed in every training session, but have always ended the training smiling.

So I think it would be fair to say I’ll be ready for the Fastnet when it is over and I am looking forward to every minute of it!

You can follow the CHallenger 3 news on Twitter by using the hashtag #Challenger3

The RYA Course that Caroline has taken is the Day Skipper Theory.

Posted by: First Class Sailing