ARC 2016 – Day 4 – Pineapples, Potatoes and a Yankee or Two?

75th in All Boats,
7th in Racing B

In this blog it is Bill’s turn to give us some words from the crew followed by captain Ricky Chalmers

Third day out. We are well ahead of Challenger 2 and 4; we a on a northerly course so morale is high in this highly competitive crew. Ricky and Kirstie remain inspirational. The Watch leaders are helpful and the crew are following instructions which contributes so much to the success of this multi national crew.

We are reaching the point where Columbus’ crew mutinied because they were soon to reach the edge of the known world. We know better. Ricky has promised us Baccy and Rum when we reach the promised land.

Bill, Challenger 3 Crew

Getting a ‘Still for the Still?

All is good on Challenger 3, the Pineapples are slightly alcoholic, or maybe we are just willing it so. We have enough potatoes to begin a Vodka distillery soon. Food continues to be excellent and the three watch system is giving the crew plenty of time to enjoy life on deck and marvel at the big Atlantic swell, even though it seems devoid of wildlife at the moment.

“A northerly course so morale is high in this highly competitive crew” Bill

The wind forecast seems a little disappointing after Sunday when, if they are correct, we will be back in very light winds and struggling again to keep the boat moving. Maybe that will be a good time to start the distillery.

Strategy wise, we are sticking as far North as we can. This will allow us to gybe at some point and get a good wind angle when the winds are due East which is due to happen in the next day or so. We are still flying our Yankee 2, preferring to keep our bigger Yankee 1 intact for the forecast lighter winds to come. Hopefully staying North will also keep us in the stronger winds for longer.

We are matching speed with Challenger 2 and have pulled back a 16Nm gap after they closed it down to 13Nm during the morning. The challenge is to stretch that to 20Nm by dinner time, and the max speed competition is in full swing, currently the top speed is 12.1 knots.

Ricky (Skipper)

First Class Training and Adventures All Year

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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.

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