Volvo Round Ireland Race on Arcsine

Published 11:53 on 10 Jul 2016

Arcsine in Volvo Round Ireland Race June 18th 2016Planning started many months ago, first the Nav plan, absolutely essential when you are only 2 onboard. My Co-skipper on Arcsine was Phil Kirk(you may have seen him at the Club when he gave the talk re sailing a wayfarer around Britain in record time!)The race was for fully crewed and had a class for 2-Handers. It is a tough race and certainly was this time! The course of nominally 704 nm is Wicklow to Wicklow,,clockwise leaving all rock to starboard, except Rockall! That means lots of ÄòcornersÄô and those with local knowledge certainly have an advantage.There were 50 monohulls from 88foot Rambler to a 31.7, a 600m line meant lots of excitement at 13.00 on June 18th. We made a great start , took Wicklow Head very close and after 6 hours were 2nd 2-Hander, 3rd in Class and 7th overall-shame that didnÄôt last!On Sunday the wind built and built , which meant lots of headsail changes and reefs, till we had storm jib and 3 reefs. After an enormous leap off a wave we found the Cooker had broken its Gimbal and was wedged and an amazing angle and various other fittings had come adrift! We were already exhausted but after some time jury rigging the stove etc, the seas were now horrendous so we decided we were in survival rather than race mode as we had to get some rest. We gradually recovered and had enough energy to start raising more sail. We passed Fastnet in lovely sunshine to start a sleigh ride up the West coast, top speed, 14.9 knots.Much of the trip becomes vague as you settle into a routine of 3 hours on and off. We had some very light conditions too and unfortunately we were hit by light winds as we approached the 5 knots of tide at Rathlin Island-yes tide against.Anyway that was only the beginning of lots of concentration and Nav to the finish after 5days, 15 hours and 30mins. Final position 6/16 in 2-Handed, ,8/15 in Class and 25th/50 overall, not bad for a first timer!The race was organised by Wicklow Sailing Club, so as a fellow WSC we exchanged Burgees-many thanks to Hal, Theo and all the team at Wicklow for a great event.Kathy Claydon

Last updated 15:13 on 28 July 2025