ARC 2016 – Day 3 – Take The Helm Speed Challenge

Take the Helm Challenge

This is the third blog to arrive from Challenger 3 and is written by Mate Kirstie Rowe

22 Nov. 16

Well, after wishing for wind… we got it!

After clinging on to my bunk like a bat at 4am and debating popping my head on deck, a patter of feet announced the arrival of Ricky asking for assistance to get the Yankee 1 down and a change to the smaller Yankee 2.

A strong foredeck team of Ricky, myself, Andrew, Yana and Charlie fought the sail down supported by a Pit team led by Peter. The sodden foredeck team were relieved and sent to get dry. (Top quote from Charlie “I’m a fair weather sailor”.

On deck at 0630 saw a beautiful pink sunrise and excellent close hauled sailing conditions. I ramped up the concentration levels by suggesting a helming speed competition (in the correct direction). The reigns were taken on by Ralph who, new to sailing, cracked out a 9.5 knots, I couldn’t resist and managed a 10.7 high score… nearly beaten promptly by Hillary with a 10.6!

ARC Rally 2016 Day 3 at 12:00 GMT (approx)

Looking Ahead

The wind is due to come around on to the beam and we are concentrating on coaching good helming and sail trim. Challenger 2 are south of us and are currently pretty much matching our speed and course.

Challenger 4 are still lost on AIS so we anxiously await the noon day report to see how much damage being becalmed caused us last night.

All is running smoothly and there are huge smiles all round about the amazing sailing conditio… even if they are a bit unusual for the ARC!

Kirstie Rowe, Mate, Challenger 3

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