So I don’t have to repeat my conversation to all my family and friends, I’ve, decided to write it down.

 

I feel so privileged having the opportunity to do this crossing in our boat. Having faith in Rich, Matt, Orshi and Emil.

I’m eternally grateful. I’ve learnt so much.

The vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, even though 300 boats left Las Palmas on the Arc, we have maybe seen 3. It’s like our little

boat is a tiny speck on a huge ocean. We have seen dolphins, whales and various sea birds. A weird experience Rich and I on our  watch

6am , just getting light, and honestly this beautiful white fluffy bird flew round and round our boat, it was round about the half way

point of our journey also , very magical .

Emil, and his “butterfly” also a bit weird, photos to prove about the butterfly.

 

I feel NO ONE should be allowed to sail across any huge Ocean unless they have done at least competent crew course/first aid/radio/

and life raft training.That’s why the Arc is so good, as they do all these workshops days before leaving in Las Palmas. (which I did 2 years ago) .The Arc is also so good as the weather forecast comes in each day. Plus, like many boats if they do run into difficulty the Arc, gets the nearest boat to help out ie broken mast/ fuel running out / rudder breaking.

 

Even though I have sailing experience this is a different league.

YOU have to be fit both mentally and physically.

Tolerance is a must- learning to respect each other living in such a small space.

Discipline also , I’ve done every watch with Rich – not easy at 3am in a squall heavy winds and rains. Noise levels as people sleeping during the day .

HATES- If NO wind we had to sail by motor. At night this is totally unbearable, the decibels of the diesel engine along with the fumes – makes me totally DISTRAUGHT.

especially if you just want to sleep after having done a night watch.

LOVES – Cooking with Orshi, she is an amazing cook, I learnt so much .We have cooked alternate evenings. ( Matt and Emil did a couple of meals ) . Between us

we have NOT opened any convenient meals. I’ve made bread ( bread maker) Orshi made Yogurt. I made a chocolate cake /tea cakes/ scones.

I’ve read 3 books, Richard Branson’s was so inspirational.

I’ve also enjoyed doing the video/ taking photos.

Helping Emil doing the “blog”

Plus mapping our progress with Matt our position on our map in the saloon.

Watching our progress racing against the other boats on the Arc in our class/overall.

Playing games and listening to music.

I’m really proud of my achievements. Totally out of my comfort zone.The squalls and high wind force (highest 46 ) was interesting !! Not once did I feel scared as I have total

confidents in the boat – Ostra A, Rich and the crew However it is exhausting and you need a huge amount of stamina..This adventure has been a wonderful experience due to the people I’ve shared it with.

19 days and 15 hours

Las Palmas to St Lucia.

20th Nov – 10th Dec

3,010 NM