And they are off! - Race Day Update - Monday 25th November

Our crew have finally set sail and are on their way across the Atlantic. Our first daily update comes from Dan H. Dan went to City of London School with René and writes of the race start and their first two days that mark the start of the race.

"The fireworks display on Saturday night really gave the crew a sense that the race was soon to begin. Following wholesome breakfasts and last minute buying of snacks we met at the marina for a final check and some emotional goodbyes. EH01 set off towards the start line with Spanish music blaring out from the marina as hoards of people waved the fleets of departing boats. We hovered over the start line as Gareth (the skipper) worked out the best plan of action. A local battle ship set off its canon to mark the race beginning and we were off. Our spinnaker designed with Renes face looking down over us, almost as though he is looking after us, guiding us to St Lucia. Sailing straight down past the island but by 6pm we had no land in sight. Only faint shadows of other boats on the horizon. As night kicked in, and after a delicious bowl of lamb hot pot, the starboard crew (Ivo, Miki, Jimmy, Elliot and myself) began first look out. We followed the mast light of a distant boat, with everything else around in complete darkness. Plankton shine fluroescently beautifully lighting up the sea round the edge of the boat as dolphins played around and underneath the boat. The rest of the crew tried to sleep in somewhat bumpy conditions. There was switch at 10pm and another at 2am as the crew attempted to get used to managing these short shifts. A cuppa brew before the start never went amiss. We started again at 12, following a bowl of cereal and Spanish omelette, and a slightly ripped spinnaker (that was quickly repaired). The afternoon shift was a slow one until Simon decided there was not enough wind to fly his drone. All I will say is it’ll make a great home for a crab. As this is being written the sun is setting, Miki’s jazz is blaring out and the second half of the crew is waking to take over to begin the evening shifts. The Atlantic can be a very quiet and thoughtful place."


To keep updated with how our crew are getting on then have a look at https://www.worldcruising.com/arc/eventfleetviewer.aspx or download the app and search our boat 'EH01' for updates.

We'll also be posting daily updates on our blog and social media accounts. If you haven't already then please do click the 'share' button so that others can see how our crew are getting on and why a group of 8 complete novice sailors have decided to sail the Atlantic. We believe that suicide should be preventable and hope that we reach at least one person to let them know that asking for help shouldn't be as hard as crossing an ocean.

To see more from Dan and why he is sailing the Atlantic, have a look at his interview below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEY9Wyfi0JE​

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