Fastnet crew speak after slow first night
Aug 11th, 2009
Crews competing in this year's Rolex Fastnet race have spent their first night at sea after a slow first day of racing.The crew of the Royal Yachting Association's (RYA) TP52 John Merricks II has spoken after a "testing few hours" in the grueling ocean race.
Skipper Luke McCarthy told the RYA: "It's been a tough start, and we've been having to work the boat pretty hard.
"It's looking like we're on a pretty dead beat to Lizard Point and an upwind slog pretty much all the way to the Fastnet Rock, but at least we're in a bit more breeze again now which should make things a bit easier."
The majority of the John Merricks II crew stems from the RYA Keelboat Programme.
The competition will see the 300 vessels compete over a course that stretches more than 600 miles. It is seen as one of the most challenging events of its type and was originally formed in 1925.
"I would recommend Dream Marine to others. Everyone was easygoing and helpful. I didn’t mind who I talked to. It was all good. Shame having to come back to London afterwards.
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
