Challenger 2 - Challenger 2 First Days

First days
By late afternoon on Thursday the full crew had assembled, buzzing with anticipation of our journey ahead. A mixture of excitement and trepidation visible on familiar faces whilst we search for long forgotten knowledge gained on our training weekend in September.
Thursday night was the first team night which of course started as planned with a few drinks and some light tapas.
Friday was boat preparation day, setting her up ready for sea, but also more importantly the large delivery of our fresh fruit and veg. All of which needed to be removed from its packaging, washed and spread on the deck to dry before being stowed. Sarah volunteered to be our creative crew member painstakingly place each piece of fruit on our deck to form colourful patterns.
Saturday morning came, and Terry tempted the crew out of their pits with the smell of fresh sausage and eggs – all of which were seen to very promptly by the somewhat jaded crew. We had worked hard the previous day, so only had a limited amount of prep to do giving us the whole afternoon off.
A few of the gang (James, Sam, Ollie, Steve and Laurence) jumped in a local taxi and were given a guided tour of the south part of the island, stumbling across some idyllic towns and gorgeous beaches. We were unable to resist the temptation of going for a quick swim.
Saturday night – our last night on dry land meant only one thing – Sundowners for drinks, followed by a team meal. Enjoyed by all and sealed with an impressive fire work display put on by the event organisers.
Sunday – Go Time!
All the crew awake at 7am itching to get to the start line, although this was some way off as the race wasn’t due to start until 1245. After some final boat preparation and life jacket checks we cast off and slowly glided of our mooring – all knowing that it would be sometime before we could step off the boat again.
The friendly locals lined the harbour entrance walls to cheer and wave us goodbye with the atmosphere electric from noise generated by the crowds and live band. Once out we had around an hour to kill before it was go time!
Ten minute warning…. and it’s starting to get exciting. We hoist our final sail and set our eyes on the start line – aiming to cross it close to, but not before the starter gun. Some vessels are pushing hard for a strong starting position, and cover our eyes as two boats collide some 50 feet ahead of us. (Hopefully no long term damage!)
We’re off…. heading on a bearing of 150 degrees – big grins on all the crew as we cross the line first.
A very enjoyable first day where all of the crew remain on deck talking, and getting to know one another. It isn’t long before hints are made about dinner time and what is on offer?
James kindly steps up to plate and disappears below emerging sometime later with what can only be described as a culinary masterpiece given the circumstances. Huge portions of spaghetti Bolognese were passed around – with empty bowls soon to be passed back. A sterling first meal to lead us into what for many is a first ever night sail!
Throughout the evening, watches changed over smoothly, with polite small talk and cups of tea being exchanged – relationships clearly stronger after a night of deep and meaningful, conversations. We decide to put in a gybe before daybreak so the other boats (namely Challenger 3) cannot see our change of direction!
It’s now 9am on Monday morning and yet again James & Tom have donned their chef whites and are preparing some porridge with a variety of toppings. Conscious I do not want to miss out – I am off! Challenger 2 out.
Steve T