This year’s ARC Channel Islands rally, in association with Hamble School of Yachting and the RYA got off to a bright start with blue skies welcoming the fleet of 10 Yachts and 30 crew. At 14:00 rally control opened for check-in on-board lead boat Rebel. Willem from Flotaxe was the first to Check-in and attention soon turned to his custom built Waarschip 740 Ocean, with many of the participants stopping to chat and hear about how he built it.
Crews had the possibility to attend a passage planning seminar with Roger from Hamble School Of Yachting, enabling them to discuss their passage plan from Gosport to Cherbourg and ask any questions they may have. In the evening the rally gathered for one of many social events that are organised throughout the 10 day rally. Starting with some welcome drinks and snacks put on by Haslar Marina on board the Light Ship. The top-deck was full of friendly chatter as crews got together for the first time, exchanging stories, knowledge, and getting to know one another. Participants then made there way to dinner at “Hardy’s at Haslar” where the socialising continued.
Today Roger from Hamble School of Yachting and Clare from World Cruising Club continued the safety checks while Charlie from World Cruising Club checked in the last two yachts, Honey of Embleton and Doodles of Hamble. The safety checks not only ensure the yachts are fitted with sufficient safety equipment, but also give participants a chance to discuss their equipment and how to use it. Once tonight’s skippers briefing has finished, participants will make their final preparations before they depart early on Saturday morning for their 75nm passage from Gosport to Cherbourg.
Over the next 10 days the rally will visit Cherbourg, Guernsey, Alderney, and then return to Gosport with a night passage from Alderney. This year’s ARC Channel Islands is set to be another great edition to the rally.
Geoff from Tessa Jane taking in the sights over Haslar Marina