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Windward Sailing prides itself on its racing record. In 2011, our CM60 Venomous won the Royal Ocean Racing Club's offshore series and was awarded the European cup. You have the unique oportunity of not only sailing on state of the art raceboats but also racing competitively. You can start with a training weekend or jump striaght in with an offshore challenge such as the Fastnet or the ARC. Our training in racing techniques is second to none carried out by some of the most experienced skippers and crew from the UK.
Race training weekends are scheduled throughout the season. Generally we meet Friday night or early Saturday morning after a safety briefing we will then set sail. Throughout the weekend we will go through many sail changes and spinnaker work including spinnaker peels and gybes. During the race training weekends you will get a chance to try out all the positions onboard from helming, sail trimming, foredeck, mast, navigation etc. We have found in the past that once people find a position that they enjoy they tend to go from strength to strength within this role before then moving onto the next. The skipper and crew will be only too willing to extend their race knowledge onto you. Race training weekends will be invaluable before embarking on an offshore race.
Races generally start either Friday evening or Saturday morning. Race distances vary from 80 to 160 miles and can take as long as 30 hours. Return time depends on the course, but is usually Sunday afternoon or Monday afternoon depending on whether the race is run on aver a Bank Holiday Weekend. Experience on board will be needed before setting across the channel. See the Calendar for the dates, destination port and duration of the various races that we plan to compete in. We generally cruise back allowing crew to change positions from that of the race itself.
The RORC Caribbean 600, as the name suggests, is a 605 mile race around the Caribbean islands. The RORC Caribbean 600 starts and finishes in Antigua, during the race you will pass 14 magnificent islands, which are blessed with stunning scenery, including the remote cliffs of Saba, the white sandy beaches of Barbuda and the twisted volcanic rock faces of Montserrat. The turquoise sea and trade winds produces exhilarating sailing conditions and whales, dolphins and turtles are a common sight. By night you will race in warm breeze under a carpet of stars, seldom seen with such clarity. The RORC Caribbean 600 Race starts on 20th February 2012 off Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua. More details can be found on the RORC mini website http://caribbean600.rorc.org/
You should be expecting to race around the course in a brisk breeze and warm seas. The race course around the Caribbean is the ultimate sailor's playground.
The ARC race has become a very successful event since its conception 29 years ago. Originally conceived as a friendly and safe way for cruising yachts to make the transatlantic passage, in the company of like-minded sailors and yachts. Since those early cruising days the event has become far more competitive with the challenge of the Atlantic crossing going high up on sailors ‘must do’ list. For many the Fastnet Race has been completed and they have had to look further for the next goal.
The Round Ireland Race has many turning points, providing for a range of diverse weather and tidal conditions that serve up a cocktail of complexity for the offshore racer. You will find this race a challenge that is unrivalled amongst any middle distance offshore race.
We are extremely pleased to be able to offer a unique opportunity to race in the Round Ireland Race on a truly competitive pedigree yacht. Forget the concept of "just taking part" and join a team dedicated to racing hard.
The race itself should take us around 3 days depending on the weather. After the race we shall celebrate in true Irish style.
The Fastnet Race rightly has the reputation for being one of the toughest yacht races in the world. It can be the ultimate sailing challenge for those who want to stretch themselves to the limit. The 608 nautical mile course starts at Cowes then off westward to the Fastnet Rock off of southern Ireland before heading back to Plymouth.
We are extremely pleased to be able to offer a unique opportunity to race in the Fastnet Race on this truly competitive yacht. Forget the concept of "just taking part" and join a team dedicated to racing hard. We do not require any previous experience but we need enthusiasm, commitment and fitness.
