ARC 2016 – Meet the FCS Crew – Tony Kerby

“It’s a great opportunity to get away from the stresses of life and work” Tony Kerby

Atlantic Lure too Tempting for Godalming Sailor

The attraction of a famous two-week transatlantic race has proven irresistible for this budding Surrey yacht racer. Tony Kerby, a civil servant from Godalming, 36, is on Challenger 3 and competing in the 2016 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), swapping the office for the thrill of ocean racing.

One of 12 crew members to sign up with Southampton-based sailing specialists First Class Sailing, Tony is embarking on the high-profile 2,700-mile ARC from Las Palmas in the Canaries to St. Lucia in the Caribbean, which began on Sunday 20th Nov.

The Challenger 72, a 72-foot yacht entered by First Class Sailing, is skippered by Ricky Chalmers, with support from a mate and two watch leaders, and is one of over 200 vessels taking part in the race, which is expected to finish in early December.

From the Atlantic to the Globe

After a week of racing, the crew half way across the Atlantic, charting a south-westerly course for the Caribbean finishing line and bidding to secure as high a finish as possible.

Tony, who has lived in Surrey since he was born, hopes his participation in the ARC will be a prelude to more racing experiences. He said: “If I got the opportunity I’d love to do a bit more sailing because I really enjoy it. If the ARC goes well I’m keen to do a few bigger races – maybe even a global race.”

“Training weekend on the Solent

Blessed with the support of his wife, Marlies, and his two dogs and two cats, Tony is relishing the chance to explore a new part of the world away from locations he has previously been to.

“Marlies is really supportive and I feel lucky to be competing in the ARC,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to get away from the stresses of life and work. “Just being able to see the stars in the middle of the Atlantic night and to be away from land for over a fortnight is an unmissable chance. I might even catch up on some reading!”

With previous experience in dingy sailing and having done a day skipper course, racing in the ARC will not be Tony’s first involvement in the sport. Such is his passion for sailing, he even chartered a boat in Croatia for a week on a past holiday.

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