ARC 2019 – Challenger 2 off to a flying start from the Canaries

A day into the ARC 2019 and all is well. Challenger 2 got off to a flying start and everyone has settled in well.

Below we have a pre-race word from crew member Becs and our first message back from skipper Ricky and 1st mate Kirstie.  We hope to get a blog from the crew every day during the Race and the odd word from Ricky so do keep an eye here to see what the latest news is.

Port of Los Palma Gran Canaria

Sun 24 Nov – ARC 2019 Rally START DAY

Great start and currently 1Nm ahead of Challenger 1….Just 2678Nm to go !

So here we are, race day start has finally arrived!  The boat has been prep’d, final clean (including the crew), vegetables stored safely and lunch made in advance.   Everyone seems excited with a healthy respect of what lies ahead – hard work, fun and a great deal of learning.  A couple of weeks detox won’t go amiss, although I just thought I overheard someone asking for the Prosecco, but alas it was a call for Mayonnaise.

We are all ready now, focusing on the race, but also thoughts of those who are ashore, family, friends, pets and others – we all send love and to let you know we will take care, look after each other and keep you updated via this page.  Best get back on deck, nearly time to go.

Lots of love, Becs x

ARC positions after day one

Skippers Log from ARC 2019 Rally – Day 1

Crew settling into downwind helming on an Atlantic Swell. Not made easy by a black sky with cloud blocking out all the stars, no moon and now very few other vessels in sight.

We had a great start to the ARC 2019 race and have been sailing well under full main and polled out

Yankee 1, with a Staysail until the tricky night helming when we dropped it to try and make things easier.

Watermaker is working well, producing 18 Litres/Hour. Crew are excited about the prospect of showers later today.

On board Challenger 2

First Mate’s thoughts for the day

1200 – We are now in light airs struggling to do 5 – 6 SOG.  A bit of playing with the pole and gybing to compromise between speed and course … course wins!

Lunch is on its way and smells great.  Looks like we should go for a fruit salad for breakfast tomorrow.  A surprisingly cool and cloudy day today so far.

All good on Challenger 2.

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Posted by: First Class Sailing