Training for the Fastnet Race on Arcsine

Published 11:36 on 31 May 2015

Last weekend Arcsine sailed in the JOG Cowes-Casquets ÄìDielette Race winning their Class.This was part of our training for this yearÄôs Fastnet Race, from WSC Al Doughty and Nick Munson have joined the crew.We started at the same time as the faster Class and managed to hold several of them behind till the Needles Channel.As expect in the early hours the wind died and we found ourselves doing 2knots East when pointing West, quick look at the Depth (60metres) ruled out kedging! As we drifted toward a tug with large barge in tow! There was a lot of shipping about from Anthem of the Seas and Queen Victoria lit up like a small town to fishing boats intent on keep changing direction.As daylight broke we had changed from the Asymmetric to the light Symmetric ready to gybe around the rocks at the Casquets. Flying the kite on the sheets as we pulled in the main the clew shackle broke not too good on a loose footed main of ArcsineÄôs size. It took some while to sort it out still going down wind on the Kite! That is why, those of you who were following us on AIS, saw us do a very wide rounding!!As we approached the finish line off Flamonville Cardinal of course the wind dropped and tide increased! We ferry glided passed the rather large cardinal with a couple of feet to spare-breathe again.Although Dielette is very close to the Atomic Power station it canÄôt be seen over the hill and DieletteÄôs Marina is being expanded and certainly had enough bars to visit, as Arcsine proudly flew the CommodoreÄôs burgee.Our next big qualifier race is to StMalo in July. As most of the Fastnet crew canÄôt do every race, Arcsine has spaces on the Jog race to Alderney on 12-14 June so do call me on 07751580268 if you fancy joining us.Kathy

Last updated 15:13 on 28 July 2025