Salamander - Alan's Reflections on ARC 2022

You may be reading these blogs, as I did, thinking "is the ARC for me?"

So for what it is worth here are my observations as a novice sailor about to reach St. Lucia:-

Leave your Ego on the Dock - You may have a fancy job title or enjoyed great success but once on board it's "skipper's boat, skipper's rules". Crew harmony could be your greatest asset ar sea.

Take a Look in the Mirror - Does your personality suit a 3 week journey with strangers in a 58 foot space?

Choose Your Boat Carefully - Are you looking for a hard core adventure (Racing Division) or a cruise in air conditioning under auto helm?

Best Bits - Helming, crew mates, night sky, 360 degree vistas in the day, dolphins, time (time to read, chat and mind wander) and a memorable 57th birthday.

Tougher Moments - sea sickness (only the first 3 days), sleep deprivation (only the first 4 days due to double watches), motoring (necessary for the last week), YB messaging service (not the tracker element), sitting still for 3 weeks (my step daughter Ellie was right!) and I missed my wife Jane.

In summary, am I glad I signed up? You bet I am! Was it the stand alone adventure I hoped for? Absolutely and more. But the final word goes to our crew, complete strangers 3 weeks ago, we are now firm friends. They made the difference, tolerant, courteous, patient, self deprecating and funny.


Alan


thesalamandersailingadventure.com