Three days ago I was the Account Executive at 4T2 Multimedia Ltd, living in my own flat in Bournemouth – life was very civilised. Sailing had always been a hobby and something I very much did for fun, almost an addiction. Every year I set myself a personal challenge, which has ultimately led me to this opportunity.
It all started with the 2010 RORC Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race, racing fully crewed on a 40.7, spending 13 days at sea. Apart from the eight smelly men and lack of deodorant, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
In 2011 I entered the RORC Rolex Fastnet, competing two handed on my dads J105 ‘Voador’ with my old dinghy helm Alex. This was a great opportunity, giving me the chance to run my own campaign and take charge, something that I’m not used to!
After racing double-handed, I started to get a taste for sailing solo – something I’d always wanted to try. I recently took part in the Solo Offshore Racing Club (SORC) Channel Week on Voador, a week racing along the South Coast of the UK, starting and finishing in Lymington and reaching as far West as Mylor, Falmouth. Loving every minute, I knew I’d found my calling. Back in the office the following week I couldn’t take my mind off sailing and being on the open water and so the research begun…
ARTEMIS OFFSHORE ACADEMY!!
With mere minutes to spare, I sent off my application for the Artemis Offshore Academy, a dedicated programme aimed at nurturing British sailors into offshore racing. Within two weeks, I found myself at the trials, then the following week I was finding out that not only do I have a place, but that I get to sail on the Mini, which I’d already had my heart set on!
With only one month until it all began, there was a lot to do:
• Quit my job
• Rent out my flat
• Move out of Bournemouth and move all my stuff into storage
• Move to Cowes
This weekend has to have been the busiest weekends of all time.
I’m currently sat on the 20:45 Red Funnel over to Cowes, kick starting at 9AM tomorrow…let the fun begin!!
