ARC Channel Islands Rally
T he spirit of camaraderie shone through for the 29-strong fleet of yachts taking part in the inaugural ARC Channel Islands Rally.
The new cross-Channel cruise attracted entries from boats ranging from 9.4-15.2m (31-50ft) for a week-long exploration of the Channel Islands of Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney. The fleet, which marshalled at Haslar Marina, Gosport, included three crews from the West Country, two from Scotland and one boat from Guernsey. Following a two-day delay and a sunrise departure on 22 August, the rallygoers celebrated reaching Cherbourg, France after a 70NM passage.
Leading the fleet out to sea was Ruby Star with veteran skipper Guy Warner, whose radio calls reporting wind conditions and sea states were invaluable to the boats further back. As Guy warned, the south-westerly Force 5/6 off Bembridge did indeed give lumpy, sloppy seas, and it was not long before the first reports were received of seasickness setting in. Sadly, the early mal-de-mer meant that Jessica, Jillian and Venturer II turned back to port.
Other non-starters included Ralph Luck’s Catalina 34 Java after crewman David Stocker was put out of action by a back problem, and Escape due to engine problems that kept the crew from reaching the rendezvous in Gosport.
However, those who punched through the sea for the first two hours were rewarded by some exhilarating sailing as they pushed further into the Channel. Winds became much lighter in patches and some boats resorted to their engines to keep to their passage plans. Others managed to sail all the way. Ruby Star was the first boat docked at around 7.30pm local time on 22 August, quickly followed by a succession of smiling crews as other rally boats slipped into Port Chantereyne Marina.
Mary-Ann was last boat in at around 3am on 23 August, having been caught by the adverse tide after going back to stand by Cloudy Bay, whose crew were unable to start their engine as the winds dropped off. Third Encounter also stood by, so a small group of tail-enders were able to assist each other through the darkness.
At the time of going to press, the rally – organised by World Cruising Club with a lead boat from Hamble School of Yachting, in association with RYA Active Marina and PBO magazine – was en route to Guernsey.
Find out more about the 2017 ARC Channel Islands Rally at the Southampton Boat Show on Sunday 18 September in the RYA Members’ Lounge, located in the Holiday Inn, between 4-5pm.