Challenger 3 – Rolex Fastnet Blog : Tuesday (Day 3)

Latest update from the Guinness and Scrumpy watches on board Challenger 3

Monday 12/8

It looks as if the wind is going to dictate our passage around Lands End as being South of the Scilly Isles. We are the furthest Southern boat in the fleet by the looks of things on AIS, so a nice wind shift to the North should hinder the boats trying to get around Land End inshore of the TSS whilst allowing us to proceed South of the Scilly Isles and then tack when the wind shifts to the South West as it is forecast to after a lighter patch tomorrow.

All is good on Challenger 3, we have had a nice spicy Thai Chicken curry for dinner and with a clear night ahead, are looking forward to some more “on the wind” life at 45 degrees.

Some excitement today as we were joined by some dolphins which came to give us some encouragement. A few more photos of the sea with an occasional dolphin just in view. Had to avoid a vast super tanker “Not Under Command” which seemed to be drifting in the channel.

AIS was useful in getting his status as the two black balls, which I am sure were hoisted, were lost in the immenseness of the ship. The occasional fishing vessel has been trawling in front of us, but none so far needing much avoiding.

This evening we were graced by being joined by a pod of about a dozen small dolphins much to the delight of the crew who have had little to do except live at an angle and trim and helm as we have now been on this tack for 24 hours.

Spectacular meteor showers in an almost perfectly clear sky. First tacks since Sunday. Careful helming keeps the speed up in a NW wind – exactly the direction we need for the rock. Sweepstake being started on time we get to the rock.

Tuesday 13/8

Emma here – Saw another pod of dolphins, they stayed with us for a while and then moved on on our last watch…it’s now 05:45 and for the past hour or so Guinness Watch have been blending in with the sails stowed on either side of the cockpit – we have definitely hit the morning energy slump Dawn of the Dead – esq!

Not sure they have been given their moment of glory yet but Andre bought us 4 trays (!) of Krispy Kremes which have been consumed gradually over the past few days and have kept us going- definitely a great idea! Time to get making breakfast now; a healthy feast of fruit salad and cereal is in order for the day.

Not really looking forward to the wind lull we are expecting soon but really looking forward to reaching the Fastnet rock and finishing [winning!] the race J. Quick “Hi” to all friends and family following us and get well soon Mum!

A boat! We have seen another competitor… damn Po-Go has overtaken us. Light winds and 47 tonnes of steel – conditions not playing to our strengths.

You can follow the actual position of Challenger 3 and the other competitors in the IRC CK Class on this Live Tracking Chart. You can follow the team on Twitter #Challenger3 or on Facebook.

If the voyage of Challenger 3 is giving you the desire to learn how to sail then give us a call on 0203 006 3717 and discover how easy it is to become an excellent sailor with our wide selection of RYA Sailing Courses.

Posted by: firstclass