Preparing for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

The photo gives an excellent feel for the conditions racing in the Roaring Forties. 

Chris Russell and I had a wonderul sail to Falmouth leaving Guernsey on the 1st September and arrving in Falmouth early morning on the 2nd. Overnight across the Channel keeps one very busy monitoring cargo vessels, trawlers and even naval ships. Alone on deck for a three hour watch was as exciting as it can be. Great fun and comforting to be with a skipper who really knows his stuff.  

We had over 40 enthusiastic sailors attending the launch of the book at the Guernsey Yacht Club and over twenty copies were sold.  Gerald, aided by Royal Yacht Squadron member, Chris Russell, gave a presentation that was followed by many questions. 

Since the launch the book has received some execellent reviews. Remarks such as 'You brought the raw experience to life. A story well told, with Anne as the quiet hero!' and

'Beautifully written account of an extraordinary adventure that takes shore-bound readers on a whirlwind tour across high seas to far flung places in living conditions that most might tolerate for about half a week... at best! A human interest story that brings to life what is possible when goals are set, commitment is high and all is to play for. A very good read for sailors and non sailors alike!' (posted on Amazon). 

Having moved to the beautiful Island of Guernsey with her husband in 2008 for his work, Anne, who had grown up with horses and riding, was looking for a new interest.
Eventually she decided to try her hand at sailing. This is when she heard about The Clipper Round the World yacht race. This race, incredibly, gives people who have never sailed before, the chance to train and race around the world. She thought this was an unmissable opportunity. 

 She signed up for a single leg of the 2017/18 race, sailing from Seattle to New York via the Panama Canal and this was enough to encourage her to do the whole race. Sailing with a skipper like Jeronimo Santos Gonzalez and first mates Ryan Barkey and Nano Antia Bernandez and the crew of Punta del Este, it was a complete joy. It was never just about the sailing but also about the people you meet and the friends you make and the bonds you form during life on a 70-foot boat racing around the world in all conditions. A fantastic adventure.

The current 2025/26 race concluded on the 25th July 2026, with Team Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) winning by a record margin with 153 points. The race ended at Gunwharf in Portsmouth with a large crowd of supporters welcoming the ten raciing yachts home, after eleven months circumnavigating the globe. 

The skipper of GOSH is Oliver Irvine and his Additional Qualified Person (AQP) is Otto Kulow. Otto stayed with my cousin Amanda Dreyer in Cowes for several weeks before the race start in September 2025, while gathering the necessary qualifications and experience, so we have followed GOSH with extra interest.