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The Fastnet Yacht race is the biggest challenge to be undertaken by Sailors in the UK. The race is held every two years and is limited to around 350 yachts and some 3,000 crew member.
Just over a year ago my old School decided to take up the challenge, and since that time we have been training aboards a Swan 47, Toubadour, ownedby an Old boy of Pangebourne College, formally the Nautical College Pangebourne. Many of us studies Seamanship and Navigation at O levels.
Safety is paramount and an lot of money has been spent to bring the yacht up to racing standards. Crew members have attended Offshore safety courses and also had to compete in a number of shorter races as part of the qualifications.
Mu place in the crew was finally confirmed a week ago. So now, I am checking my equipment and deciding what clothing I shall need for the race, as part of a ten man crew. All crew members have to purchase personal AIS beacons, which can be activated if someone falls overboard and will alert passing vessels if they are no more that 4 miles away and also the emergency services.
Less that two weeks to go, so now working out the logistics of getting down to the Hamble where the yacht is berthed. I have work commitments which will mean I probably will need to Leave Troubadour , when we finish in Plymouth.
