Round Britain in a sailing dinghy

Smithyyy · 12 June 2014, 07:29

Hi Ribnetters,

Those of you in Northern Ireland now, Scotland over the next couple of weeks, and down the East coast after that, please keep an eye out for these guys - one of whom is someone I've known for years and used to sail with - who are going round Britain in a Wayfarer (a 16 foot or so long sailing dinghy for those not into that sort of thing). They set off from Weymouth 10 days ago, starting with 3 days and nights continuously at sea which got them to S Wales. Currently edging up the N Irish coast against the tide, unclear whether they will stop there for a kip or keep going North. There's a yellow brick tracker page on the website if you want to check where they are... but if you see them, say hello!

They are clearly quite nuts, but you've got to admire their commitment! And if any ribnetter is able to help them on their way at any point, it'd be much appreciated. Thanks!

Hafren Round Britain

https://www.facebook.com/Xtremedinghycruising?fref=nf

Smithyyy · 12 June 2014, 08:06

Just (08:00 Thursday morning) anchored up in Red Bay, N Ireland to wait for a favourable tide apparently.

Andre · 12 June 2014, 20:19

I have sent an email to the Team leader of the 999 Challenge Round Britain and gave a link to the web page and mentioned the yellow brick tracker. I have asked him to be on the lookout as for sure they will overtake them.

See thread for this challenge and check link to marine tracking for their current position

Smithyyy · 13 June 2014, 08:15

Thanks Andre - yes I think the 999 Challenge will pass them quite quickly! They're planning on an average 3.5 knots, the rib I assume will be doing a little more than that... :-)

Andre · 13 June 2014, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smithyyy

Thanks Andre - yes I think the 999 Challenge will pass them quite quickly! They're planning on an average 3.5 knots, the rib I assume will be doing a little more than that... :-)

it would be good if they were to meet up

bedajim · 16 June 2014, 08:39

Not going to bad so far

Boatnomad · 16 June 2014, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andre

it would be good if they were to meet up

They are crossing tracks about now.

bedajim · 02 July 2014, 09:52

Finishing today, beating the old record by 44 days

Dhf · 02 July 2014, 10:55

What a fantastic achievement,

Tough and proven capable little craft the Wayfarer, enjoyed many hours racing them and the GP 14's.

bedajim · 02 July 2014, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dhf

What a fantastic achievement,

Tough and proven capable little craft the Wayfarer, enjoyed many hours racing them and the GP 14's.

Yep first boat I had Wayarer no 4030 ex NSC on the IOW

Boatnomad · 02 July 2014, 19:57

THAT was a tough one,wonder what the avg speed was,2-3kts?

John Kennett · 02 July 2014, 20:01

Hats off to those guys, that was a proper challenge. Definitely type 2 fun though I reckon!

willk · 02 July 2014, 20:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Definitely type 2 fun though I reckon!

Reckon they understand Rule #5 Boss

John Kennett · 02 July 2014, 21:32

Yep. Should think they took a big ole tin of "Man up" with them

Smithyyy · 03 July 2014, 00:24

They did fantastically, old record 77 days their target 60, did it in 32. Mind you the wind gods were in their favour, the wind seemed to follow them all round the UK coast.

We went out of Dover on Sunday and found them just south of Ramsgate having come from Felixstowe, leaving 04:00 that morning - we had a Yachts and Yachtng photographer with us, he got some great shots, and we got rides in the boat including Mrs Smithyyy who got a cup of tea brewed up for her (small gas cooker in a custom made box hanging under the thwart). They've done various mods - like the thwart modifed to allow for a quick exit in the event of capsize while asleep in the bilge, proper slab reefing ike a yacht, and a thankfully explained rather than demonstrated method of dong a "number two" while hiking over the transom. Then a very friendly and helpful Dover Port Control allowed them in via the East entrance to come ashore for a quick cake and coffee before they went on their way, next stop Lymington.

But seriously a fantastic achievement, including several legs of two or three nights each, 1500 miles in 32 days including stopovers (they reckoned on an average while at sea of 3.5 knots made good towards the destination). So today there's been a party at Weymouth now I magine they are at home having a very long sleep

stigoftd · 03 July 2014, 00:43

congratulations to these 2 for a amasing achievement and a great memory to them

one thing i would love to do one day

Toonribber · 03 July 2014, 10:47

Fantastic achievement- can't imagine how you get to sleep in a Wayfarer at sea! What great boats these are.