ARC Rally 2019 Monday 25th – the crew on board Challenger 2 are now well underway. Here’s an account of the first 24 hours from crew member Gary.
To blow or not to blow out the spinnaker
We just finished our first 24 hours of the ARC Rally, completing 195 nautical miles on a single downwind run, with a full main, polled out Yankee, and stay sail. A very wise tactical choice by Ricky, our skipper. At least 3 other boats that I saw blew out their $8,000 plus spinnakers at the very start of the race. This was in spite of the predicted wind gust near the airport.
It was all hands on deck from the start till 7PM when we eased into watch system rotation. Every 4 hours at night and 6 hours during the day. I am amazed me how quickly 10 strangers, with varied previous sailing experience, worked alongside the professional crew to pilot the Challenger through a moonless cloud covered evening, using only the compass, wind instruments, and instinct, as points of reference.
Dancing Torpedoes
Dolphins by day, phosphorescent torpedoes by night
We spotted our first dolphin just after sunset and were greeted by several more appearing like phosphorescent torpedoes dancing alongside the boat in the near pitch darkness during my first overnight watch. I had trouble sleeping between dinner and that first watch. It seems most of us did by all accounts. I did, however pass out nearly immediately after that watch.
I was on the predawn watch. Just after sunset we were greeted once again by a pod of dolphins. For all I know the very same phosphorescent shapes that had been swimming alongside us all night long.
Spinnaker goes up for the first time
Up goes the kite
Just before noon we gybed west from our southerly course, headed west towards St Lucia. At this point we dropped our headsails, and hoisted our brilliant blue and white spinnaker. Everyone was elated that our nose was now finally pointed towards St Lucia, even if she was over 2,600 nautical miles away. The weather forecast was not as exciting. Although there was no foul weather in the forecast, a hurricane forming in the North Atlantic and heading towards the UK. This was expected to push high pressure down from the Azores, presenting us with light winds and the potential for large swells. The combination is likely to delay our arrival in St Lucia until December 13 or 14, but we have plenty of food and a delightful crew of amateurs and professionals.
Best wishes to all,
Gary
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