British Soldier - TransAtlantic Race - Final Report
Britishsoldier
Fri 15 Jul 2011 23:49
A fantastic final 36hrs into the finish, racing neck and neck with Carina all the way. The last 8 hours were a tight spinnaker reach from west of the Scilly Isles, in the dark and onthe edge. The two boats are very different, 39 and 48 feet in length, yet sail at near identical speeds. Whatever the handicap result (and Carina had that in the bag), we had a great close race and finished just 100 yards apart. Three cheers to each of the crews for a spirited performance.
The weather on arrival was appalling - grey, raining and misty. But the welcome in Falmouth from family and friends was quite the opposite. A few beers and home-made Cornish Pasties didn't take the crew long to demolish.
We're now en route to our home port of Gosport. We started out with full main and spinnaker, with the as-forecast15-20 kts and expecting a fast run up the Channel. But we're now under engine, in the mist and rain, heading for Weymouth for more fuel. Ah, the English Summer. Another early arrival thwarted. Amazingly the gas has held out, but the nutrigrain bars have now been replaced - with saffron buns, clotted cream and doughnuts. Bravo Cornwall.
Thoughts of the race? A great adventure and a challenge for the whole crew. Despite the frustrations of the fickle winds and fog it was an enjoyable event. Lessons have been learned and hugely valuable experience gained by this new crop of Army sailors. And many new friends were made over the course, with exceptional hospitality from so many people in Newport. Our thanks to everyone involved for making this adventure happen.
Next race: Fastnet.
NB