ARC 2016 – Day 5 – Downward Sailing, Dancing And Dolphins!

75th in All Boats,
7th in Racing B

In this blog it’s an update from Bill, Kirstie and Captain Ricky Chalmers

Fourth day and no signs of mutiny yet. The food has remained exceptional with Ricky keeping a watch on our budding Escoffiers who can create masterpieces at 45 degrees of tip.

We pulled ahead from Challenger 2 overnight and we now have 14.88 nm separation (the .88 is important. They lie about 6 nm to the south on a parallel course. Yana is cook today. The porridge and bread were exceptional and we have only just started.

Bill, Challenger 3 Crew

This morning the sun took a long time to rise and brighten the dark, cloudy night. The sunrise was an uninspiring event that just happened. Fun, downwind helming conditions prevailed and Helena and I improved on our speed records (12.6 and 12.8…still 13.2 to beat!). Peter sat at the back whilst Fabrice and Bill both took their turn at the reigns.

Tomasz worried myself and Hillary by dancing to “You can leave your hat on” before disappearing below and resurfacing with hat in hand! 😉 Whoops and giggles exploded as dolphins approached at high speed from all angles, jumping high and showing off with their best bow surfing skills. Ralf headed for the bow and enjoyed a spectacular show.

Another great lunch and the sun is now shining…just another day on Ch 3 J
Kirstie (Mate)

The Boat That Rocks

All is good aboard Challenger 3. The crew have all got their sea legs now and life on board the house that rocks and rolls has become more natural. The seas calmed down a little and thankfully the wind is still suitably strong where we are “oop North” and it is not grim at all.

Ricky (Skipper)

First Class Training and Adventures All Year

In case you didn’t know First Class Sailing provides the full range of RYA sailing courses, plus a huge variety of yachting experiences – including sailing the ARC yacht to Las Palmas via the Bay of Biscay and back across the Atlantic to the UK from Antigua.

The company has been awarded a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence three years running.

Sailing holidays to various parts of the world are on offer, including Norwegian fjord cruises next year and participation in races such as the 2017 ARC Rally, The Rolex Fastnet – a race from Cowes to Ireland, finishing in Plymouth – and the Round the Island race circumnavigating the Isle of Wight.

Anyone wishing to book a place at the 2017 ARC with First Class Sailing should contact Charlie Tulloch on 0203 006 3717 or via email info@firstclasssailing.com

Posted by: First Class Sailing