John and Hilary Edwards, both 50, from Oxford, crossed the finish line of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) in St Lucia after an 18-day voyage from the Canary Islands.
Part of a 12-member amateur crew to sign up with Southampton-based sailing specialists First Class Sailing, John and Hilary helped their Challenger 72 yacht to 52nd place overall and sixth in class in the renowned 2,700-mile ARC despite their relative inexperience.
The driving force behind the couple’s participation, Hilary was exhilarated to have ticked off a long-term ambition.
She said: “It was a great experience and I would do it all over again.
“I liked the competition aspect which made life more exciting but also the calmness of being out on the ocean alone, uncontactable and without another boat in sight.
“Everyone jelled really well and helped each other out. I was so pleased that we did it.”
John, a retired financial sector entrepreneur, was convinced to take part by Hilary.
He said: “Some of the highlights included the incredible night skies in the mid-Atlantic and dolphins swimming with the front of the boat as well as birds miles and miles out to sea.
“I remember the feeling as we saw the glow of the very first lights in the distance as we neared land.
“Vegetation floating on the sea as we approached landfall also evoked thoughts of those very first explorers who sailed the ocean not knowing if they would fall off the edge of the world or hit land.”
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The First Class sailing crew during the final day of their training weekend as they prepare to take on the ARC Rally 2016 from the Canary Islands to St Lucia.[/caption]
Skippered by Ricky Chalmers, with support from a mate and two watch leaders, the First Class Sailing vessel was one of over 200 vessels taking part in the race.
First Class Sailing provides the full range of RYA sailing courses, plus a huge variety of yachting experiences – including delivering the ARC yacht to Las Palmas via the Bay of Biscay and back across the Atlantic to the UK from St. Lucia.
The company has been awarded a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence three years running.
Sailing holidays to various parts of the world are on offer, including Norwegian fjord cruises next year and participation in races such as the 2017 ARC Rally, The Rolex Fastnet – a race from Cowes to Ireland, finishing in Plymouth – and the Round the Island race circumnavigating the Isle of Wight.
Anyone wishing to book a place at the 2017 ARC with First Class Sailing should contact Charlie Tulloch on 0203 006 3717 or via email info@firstclasssailing.com
Visit First Class Sailing’s blog: https://www.firstclasssailing.com/blog/ and its Facebook site at www.facebook.com/FirstClassSailing
