{"id":3842,"date":"2018-11-29T17:14:32","date_gmt":"2018-11-29T17:14:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/?p=3842"},"modified":"2018-11-29T17:41:51","modified_gmt":"2018-11-29T17:41:51","slug":"day-5-wendy-smashes-speed-record","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/day-5-wendy-smashes-speed-record\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 5: Wendy Smashes Speed Record!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"

Poled Out!<\/p><\/div>\n

Challenger 4 has started to build up steam in the stronger winds with over 200 nautical miles clocked in a 24 hour period for the first time, and showers are finally allowed.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Feeling The Need For Speed<\/h2>\n

Hello from 21\u00b0 41′ N; 24 \u00b0 21′ W<\/strong>
\nWe are now in the Tropics. Day 5 and all is well. This morning Baywatch (see the previous blog) with Wendy on the helm hit the high speed record of 15.1 knots! We are all getting the hang of downwind sailing as we guide the 50 tons and 72 feet of Challenger 4 under full sail towards St Lucia. Now just 2137 miles to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"

It’s neck and neck between Ch4 and Ch3. Who’s going to win?<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

It’s Getting Hot In Here!<\/h2>\n

The crew are a considerate bunch and it is amazing how 16 people can coexist and move around each other in our confined quarters. All of this is being part of the team!! Jim has carried this further by taking to sleeping on deck in the snake pit (which is a cosy area where many ropes are coiled). When a manoeuvre is called by the Skipper all hands on the watch and sometimes off watch pull together to make this happen, day or night! After our day on Motherwatch we will join the opposite team so any rivalry is friendly.
\nLast night\u2019s drama was a small fire in the galley (Note from Skipper Ricky: galley fire was a flash in the pan, literally) so we are just waiting for pestilence to break out. We are now using the watermaker so the skipper has permitted the crew to take showers which is a treat for sure (and prevents pestilence!).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"

Sizzling Hot Meals<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Overnight we have shorter 4-hour watches and much of these are spent stargazing at constellations and taking in the stunning night sky away from land. While we are sailing fast Challenger lets us know she is happy by humming loudly and melodically which is rather enchanting.<\/p>\n

The crew are anticipating today\u2019s culinary delights and have been promised a Devonshire cream tea by Kate and some fresh bread by John. Later we will serve up paella and tapas. Sadly no Rioca as we are a dry boat (most of the time)
\nWe all say hi to home. A week away has gone very fast.<\/p>\n

Kate (Baywatch)
\nJohn (Crimewatch)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mate Kirstie’s Log<\/h2>\n

Date : 29 Nov 2018<\/p>\n

Time : 12:00 GMT<\/p>\n

Position : 21 32.53 N 024 44.11 W<\/p>\n

Position : 260Nm North, north-west of Cape Verde Islands<\/p>\n

Destination : St Lucia<\/p>\n

DTF : 2116<\/p>\n

24 Hour Run : 202<\/p>\n

COG 247, SOG 9.7<\/p>\n

Fuel : 3 full, 1 in use<\/p>\n

Water : 3 full, 1 in use, Watermaker on – 25L\/hr,<\/p>\n

Gas : 3 full, 1 in use, 1 Empty<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Notes and comments:<\/h2>\n

Winds gusting up to 27knots from 2100, most helms managing very well, others being coached through. Wind down in the early hours and now 20 – 26 true from 0900.\u00a0 Helms much improved during the daylight hours.\u00a0 Sea state increasing as of 1100<\/p>\n

Bearing to St Lucia 264, our VMG has been high and winds favourable.<\/p>\n

We are usually accompanied by 1 to 4 sailing vessels showing nearby on our AIS and the odd larger vessel.<\/p>\n

Starry nights and sunny days, so far with some cloud cover to give shade – hotter today.<\/p>\n

Beef and mushroom stew for dinner last night, a real treat. Scrambled egg and tomato for breakfast this morning and toasties for lunch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Book Your Own Atlantic Adventure<\/h2>\n

If this blog has inspired you to have a voyage across one of the world\u2019s oceans then start speaking to the team in the office. They can assess which Atlantic voyage will be good for you and, if you need it, what course would take you to that level.<\/p>\n

Fill in the form below and they will call you back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Request a Call Back about the next Atlantic Crossing<\/h2>\n
*<\/span> indicates required<\/div>\n