ARC 2016 – Day 10 – Be Calm and Carry on Swimming

Scenes like this are happening mid-Atlantic while the FCS crew wait for some wind.

The latest blog from Challenger 3 casts a completely different light on sailing. We’ve had winds, rain and plenty of action and then suddenly you’re becalmed and tempted to get out and push!

November 29th 07:40 (UT) current speed 0.8 knots. Main and poled out Yankee 1 constantly flapping and crashing loudly in the tiny air flow and small waves – similar effect as the Chinese Water Torture techniques.

Been almost dead in the water since yesterday afternoon. Ricky and I and whichever watch is on duty have had bursts of activity to try and squeeze anything out of the sails.

Just before I arrived on watch it seems the wind changed and to keep course (anything south or west is acceptable at this point!) Ricky gybed the boat with the help of Peter, John and Bill… and the order of “the doughnut” coming from Tomasz on the helm.

If you look closely you can see them pushing!

On doing so the wind yet again shifted and a whole pirouette was completed – I think he was just bored and did it for fun.

Looks like it could be a long day sailing wise… but a fun one as we have our half way fancy dress party.

Kirstie Rowe, Skipper’s Mate, Challenger 3

The Ops Report for the day also makes interesting reading…

Date : Tuesday 29 Nov 2016
Time : 12:00 GMT
Position : 23 42.1 N 39 53.9 W
Position : In a massive wind hole
ETA : Computer says Jan 17, I think its being optimistic
DTF : 1324, miles done 1524 (Yay, HALFWAY ! Party Today !)
Fuel : 3 full, 1 in use
Water : 3 full, 1 in use, 1 Being Filled by temperamental Watermaker…
Gas : 2 full, 1 in use, 2 Empty
Temperature at the chart table : 30.8 C, Humidity : 44% Bikini weather…
Fruit and Veg : Hmmm… Bananas not a success really…

Today on Challenger 3
Breakfast : Porridge, Cereal, Pancakes
Lunch : Baked Potatoes and Beans
Dinner : Macaroni Cheese
Music: Passenger

Main activity planned : Swimming, pushing the boat a bit towards St Lucia.

Posted by: First Class Sailing