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Hot Stuff - Why I wanted to Cross the Atlantic Ocean Under Sail



Day 16
Why I want to Cross the Atlantic Ocean on a 40ft Sailing Yacht?

Why I have chosen to Skipper across with GFS? This is now my 5th Transatlantic but my first skippering with GFS- I have been a part of the preparation period that started in the UK 5 months ago now. I worked closely alongside our amazing electrican Paul, our Fantastic Riggers Spencers, marine engineer and the incredible Adam in the boat yard too- I have seen the huge amount of time, energy, love and dedication from the whole GFS team and the great relationship we have with those who have contributed to HS & Diamonds Atlantic preps. Not a stone is left unturned. I couldnt be more proud to Skipper Hot Stuff and she has become a faithful companion of mine over the last couple of years- she is always teaching me new things and whatever is thrown at us I know we always get through it together. Hot Stuff faithfully carries an excited team into the open blue which gladdens me when I see their joy and enthusiasm when at her helm. Plus being in the middle of the Atlantic?!! - now that
s got to be pretty magical.
Additionally, I,m always conscious of our impact on our environment and have seen many sailors dump a lot of rubbish over the side into what should be our pristine ocean. Tin cans may break down but it takes a long time and releases toxins- even kitchen roll is negative- it has plastic in it- I,ve been inspired over the years by sailor and conservationist Emily Penn who I worked alongside many years ago in Devon, plus the environmental sciences modules as part of my degree means that I want to demonstrate to our new Ocean going sailors that we can cross this vast beautiful space and limit our carbon footprint on it by breaking down our rubbish onboard. We dont have to turn every corner of the earth into a dumping ground. We are environmentally conscious Sailors onboard!
Sophie O'Neill,UK

Why fly when you can sail?! Last year I started sailing by crossing the atlantic ocean on Hot Stuff. It was an incredible adventure and I haven't stopped sailing since then. Lots of stories, miles, meeting great people and having fun. Just love it. This year I got the chance to be the first mate and it's slightly different. It's very interesting, lots to learn, just another challenge. And I love this position as well. Who knows, might go for another crossing next year again. anybody up for joining me?! Thalita,Switzerland

Mary-USA-After 25+ years of professional life, a redundancy opened up the opportunity for a 6-month break to explore new things. I was looking for a physical and mental challenge and the chance to learn a new skill that did not involve sitting behind a computer screen.. i found the ARC through Girls for Sail and that was it.. the atlantic crossing was the challenge.. since June I've been taking RYA courses and milebuilders to prepare, but there's really no way to prepare for an experience like this.. every time i come up the companionway for my night shift, I'm blown away once again by the beauty of it all.

Elisabeth-Sweden-Crossing the Atlantic by sail has been a dream for me since I got myself my first sailing boat (22 feet) 7 years ago. Having spent every full seasons sailing with friends around the mid-Swedish coastal region of the Baltic sea I was looking for a new challenge involving more night sailing, downwind sailing and offshore miles. After four years of intense focus on my career I thought it was time for a break to allow myself to fully focus on my hobbies for 6 months and experience what freedom really is and enjoy the lifestyle I spent my working years to achieve. This was likely the best decision I have done to date and the feeling of freedom is fully achieved as you sail the boat across the Atlantic, trimming the sails, flying the kite and watch the intense skies at night litten up by the moon or by stars and the milky way.

Lesley- UK- I wanted to learn how to sail across an ocean, to understand how to prepare the boat and plan the passage. I also wanted to feel what it was like to be in the middle of the Atlantic to see the stars, whales and dolphins - it's an amazing experience....

Katrin - Germany - I simply wanted to do something different and get away from the day-to-day routine. I decided to make this journey because I love to sail, and I like to learn what I'm capable of and push my limits. I have been enchanted by the starry sky, night sailing, the flying fish and the dolphins. This is an experience like no other.

Oline - Denmark - I am crossing the Atlantic Ocean because I wanted to travel and do something different and challenging but at the same time extraordinary. For me this crossing is a project to learn how to sail and to challenge myself. I am filming the crossing to show and tell the amazing experience this trip is going to be.




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