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Offshore Racing

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1st Brisbane Hamilton Island Race 2019

Brisbane Hamilton Island Race 2019: 1st for Ocean Gem

The Lendlease Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race is one of Australia’s longest tropical category 2 offshore yacht races, and will deliver competitors to the wonderful destination of Hamilton Island, in time for Whitsunday Race Weeks.

Inaugural Lendlease Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race organised by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron started 1100hrs Friday August 2, 2019 from Moreton Bay.

Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race 2019

Ocean Gem became 1st in Division 2 in Lendlease Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race

“What a great race we just had to Hamilton Island and thinking we had finished 2nd overall, it was a shock to get the trophy for both IRC and PHS in division two. What we thought we knew based on online results 2 hours before we finished was that we were going to be at least an hour too late finishing, to get 1st (but the online results were not up to date). But we pushed hard with gybes, sail changes and crew weight distribution right to the end of the race. In the end it paid off when we found out we had actually won and by just 6 minutes on corrected time after a 2 day 17 hour race. It just reinforces pushing hard all the way to the finish. Yves Couedic, Alex Lomakin, Tim Wolff, Kris Hook and Lena Padukova did a brilliant job along with 3 other guest crew, of sailing the boat well and managing the sail changes and gybes with a smile.”

  • Ocean Gem Team Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race 2019
    Ocean Gem Team Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race 2019
  • 1st Price Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race Team Ocean Gem
    1st Price Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race Team Ocean Gem
  • Ocean Gem
    Ocean Gem

Testimonial Alex Lomakin

What makes it so special is the crew that shared this achievement. Through David we found the next level in offshore racing and found what it takes to win. Everyone really clicked when everything was strained and running on the edge. I’ve never seen a crew come together so well, trimming, calling wind shifts, backing up, supporting all came to a new level. 👏👏Congratulations to Ocean Gem, David Hows and all the crew who sailed this race. 2 Days,16 hours, 59 minutes, 4 seconds.

  • Skipper David Hows
    Skipper David Hows
  • Crew Ocean Gem
    Crew Ocean Gem
  • Lena Padukova
    Lena Padukova
  • Alex Lomakin
    Alex Lomakin
  • Yves Couedic
    Yves Couedic
  • Inside Ocean Gem
    Inside Ocean Gem

Testimonial Tim Wolff

Tim Wolff It is an honour and a privilege to sail on the Gem with the crew and all the people that make racing this boat so much fun. To finish a race safely with no breakages is a win for us. To actually win our division is a testament to the hard work that Dave and his family do so that we can all sail on her.
I raise a glass or 16 to David Hows Danielle Hows team ocean gem and sponsor’s
It was an awesome race. Roll on Hammo Race week

  • Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race
    Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race
  • Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race
    Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race
  • Brisbane to Hamilton Island Race 2019
    Brisbane to Hamilton Island Race 2019
  • Ocean Gem
    Ocean Gem

Races onboard Ocean Gem

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Rolex Fastnet Race 2019: Approaching the Fastnet Rock

Rolex Fastnet Race 2019

From Challenger GBR301R we are excited to be approaching the Rock which we will pass just after dark with our octogenarian crewman Mr. Christopher Hope. Born in 1938 this is Chris’s first Fastnet and biggest challenge to date despite having recently crossed the Atlantic with Spartan as part of his exciting, challenge orientated life.

  • Rolex Fastnet Race Crew Sierra Schaffer and Christopher Hope
  • Rolex Fastnet crewman Mr. Christopher Hope

We have taken a very particular route in the past 24hrs to stay clear of the bulk of the swell allowing conditions in Challenger to be tolerable for the redoubtable Mr. Hope and the rest of the crew. As we count down to our rounding our eyes are pinned on the SW sky as strong weather is approaching and it is imperative that we get round and on our way to Plymouth as soon as possible.

  • mr. Christopher Hope Rolex Fastnet Race Crew 2019
  • mr. Christopher Hope Rolex Fastnet Race Crew 2019

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What drives those who compete in the Rolex Fastnet Race?

Why does it hold such a special place in the hearts of sailors all over the world?

On the face of it it’s just another boat race; it’s flags in the high street in Cowes, canon fire at Egypt Point, a busy afternoon on the water at Hurst Castle and an overnight drift on the tide in Lime Bay. Surely then Fastnet is just another sports event patronized by a few thousand, followed by a few hundred thousand leaving the sport’s remaining international audience oblivious.

Rolex Fastnet Race

But it’s not; and everyone reading this knows that somehow Rolex Fastnet Race has become much, much more than just a boat race.

Over it’s 94 year history Fastnet has touched hearts, has had more than it’s share of excitement, despair, sadness & joy and along the way become a citadel in the minds of sailors the world over- a place where the traditional ideals of the sport are preserved and demonstrated despite the march of modern design and technology.

For nearly a century an otherwise unremarkable rock spire eternally braced against the savagery of the Atlantic Ocean has become a beacon not only to commercial ships making their transatlantic landfall but to Corinthian sailors making the long pilgrimage out beyond the reach of their normal endeavours; for those who choose to sail themselves clear off the edge of their own expectations.

Fastnet therefore is synonymous with the concept of Tenacity in Pursuit, of pitting one’s self against elemental forces for an illusive glimpse of something beyond mere sporting success – Fastnet is a rare chance for meaningful personal triumph.

Rolex Fastnet Race Team 2019 Volvo 60 Challenger

Rolex Fastnet Race Crew 2019

This year many of the crew of Spartan’s Whitbread 60 ‘Challenger’ sail in the memory of Stuart Jones the skipper and owner of the Sydney 38 KURRANULLA who passed away this year too early to take the long beat out to Fastnet and reap the whooping, laughing smiling rewards of the long reach home.

We had no illusions coming into this about silverware or records: we hoped only to round Fastnet and that somehow, somewhere Stu would be smiling at the continuing joy of his laughing fellow rovers as they continue to sail for all the right reasons: for the challenge, for the camaraderie and for the sheer bloody fun of it.

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Crossing the Atlantic is a tipping point: ARC 2019

Crossing the Atlantic is a tipping point

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has been the benchmark for those wishing to complete a transatlantic voyage since 1986. Thousands have successfully made the passage since then and in the process had a fantastic experience developing their sailing skills, racing or cruising down one of the world’s most famous trading routes and no doubt meeting new friends and crewmates along the way.

ARC crew 2018
ARC crew 2018

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, November 22nd – December 7th
Las Palmas to Saint Lucia

This is the classic Atlantic Crossing route – heading down the famous North Easterly Trade winds to the Caribbean

With training and the travel you arrange- this 2700Nm route will be all done and dusted in just 16 days.

ARC Route Map
ARC Route

Combination of racing and training

The goal is to provide you access to a unique combination of racing and training under the mentorship of a highly experienced sailor. We assist sailors of any skill level to realize their
potential by developing their seamanship, teambuilding and racing skills in a challenging but safe environment.

You become an active member of our crew, not just a passenger with the opportunity to assist in helming, sail trimming and all the normal duties of a crew member while having the opportunity to learn about weather routing, navigation, race tactics and shorthanded
sailing techniques.

Challenger Volvo 60 ARC 2018
Challenger Volvo 60 ARC 2018

The yacht: Volvo 60 Challenger

We will be using our Whitbread 60 ‘Challenger ‘ for this event which means that we will have plenty of opportunity to experience the higher speeds and quicker transit time associated with this kind of performance vessel. We ask all crew to bear in mind though that safety and not speed is our primary concern.
Find out more

Find out more

Your Skipper: Chris Stanmore-Major

Chris Stanmore-Major (CSM) is an experienced offshore sailor & sail training instructor.

  • As of 2019 CSM has sailed over 315,000 Nautical Miles (further than the distance to the moon).
  • Skippered 2 x 60ft+ Race Boats in Round the World Events (Clipper 09/10 & Velux 5 Oceans 10/11)
  • CSM is the 182nd person ever to sail Solo Around the World South of the 3 Stormy Capes.
  • Founder of Spartan Ocean Racing & Training

Take the challenge and get out on the water

sign up Challenger
Crew Volvo 60 Challenger
Crew Volvo 60 Challenger
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Website Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

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By Sail Race Crew

Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019

Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019

Challenger’s last Caribbean Race this season was the Antigua Bermuda Race 2019. We had a quick start beating in 20 knots.

Antigua Bermuda Race 2019
Antigua Bermuda Race 2019

On day 3 we were still part of the chasing pack and were enjoying tight racing with only 18 miles of separation between the 5 of us behind leader Scallywag, a 100 ft yacht. On day 4 we broke our main halyard and had to wait for flatter seas to get it repaired by hoisting Chris up in the mast.

Antigua Bermuda Race 2019 Volvo 60 Challenger
Antigua Bermuda Race 2019 Volvo 60 Challenger

We carried on with one reef in the main and quickly racing mode was swopped over into a more cruising style realising we could not reach the podium anymore. We enjoyed a bucket shower on the aft deck and some delicious meals made by the crew.

Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019
Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019

After 1037 nm Bermuda welcomed us in gale force winds, heavy rain and a pitch black sky.

Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019
Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019

We are still enjoying all the beautiful moments in a very active whats app group with all crew that joined the Antigua Bermuda Race 2019.

2019 Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger
2019 Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger

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Yacht Racing Caribbean

Website Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

Website Volvo 60 Challenger

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Sail Race Crew

By Sail Race Crew

Challenger’s RORC Caribbean 600 2019

The 11th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 2019 attracted 76 teams from 21 countries and crews from six continents. The highly diverse fleet were challenged by the tough conditions and captivated by the beauty of a stunning race course. The non-stop 600 mile race around 11 Caribbean islands is unique and very much on the bucket list of any offshore sailor.

Caribbean 600 Volvo 60 Challenger
Caribbean 600 Volvo 60 Challenger

Challenger’s Caribbean 600 crew

We believe that a hands-on experience, is the best experience out at sea. When you sail with us, you become an active member of our crew- not a passenger. You will assist with helming, sail trimming and all the normal duties of a crew member, while also having the opportunity to learn about weather routing, navigation, race tactics & short handed sailing techniques from a highly experienced skipper and mate.

Team Challenger Caribbean 600 2019
Team Challenger Caribbean 600 2019

First training day

The first day’s training was all about safety. The goal is always to make the event as safe as possible. ‘Safe’ has a few meanings. Number one, of course, we wanted to keep everybody safe from bodily harm whilst with us on the boat- this involves revealing all the hazards present on the boat- those that are simple to perceive and those that are somewhat less obvious. This included such simple things as correctly navigating the way up and down the companionway, right through to understanding how to launch and enter a liferaft.

Secondly ‘Safe’ means emotionally safe- that means everybody understands what is happening around him/her and people are not getting nervous or uncomfortable with the situation at any point. We wanted everybody to be part of what is happening on board the boat and that required a high level of information about everything that is happening around them. To make this happen we covered a lot of ground on Day 1.

  • Training onboard Challenger
    Training onboard Challenger
  • First training day Challenger
    First training day Challenger
  • First training day Challenger
    First training day Challenger

Second training day

Day two was about learning how to sail the boat. During training, we assumed nobody knew anything at all about sailing and started from there.
Challenger- although 15 years old- still represents the edge of what is possible in open ocean racing.

  • Second training day Challenger
    Second training day Challenger
  • Second training day Challenger
    Second training day Challenger
  • Second training day Challenger
    Second training day Challenger

Start Caribbean 600

Chris: “It was very busy and expensive around us at the start and I had to pirouette out of there – it was the best in the world fighting for inches and there we are perfectly positioned but without the skills to control the boat through what was about to happen next – I ducked down and around the majority of the multi-million dollar boats bucket list and we started deep in the second row approaching the line but in a big open space and with a happy crew 😍they were really buzzed by being right in the thick of it like that!!”

The 2019 RORC Caribbean 600 kicked off in spectacular conditions off the south coast of Antigua with the magnificent fleet starting the 600 mile non-stop offshore race in bright sunshine, full-on gusting tradewinds and two-metre high waves.

Life below deck

Life below decks is always an adventure. Thanks to Melodie Schaffer for the turning the picture on the right to make it right. It was definitely a high winds race.

  • Gearing up is tricky when you keep sliding back and forth on the navigator seat
    Gearing up is tricky when you keep sliding back and forth on the navigator seat
  • Get some sleep
    Get some sleep
  • Below deck adventure Caribbean 600
    Below deck adventure Have a look at the water bottles

Passing Guadaloupe

Chris: “Short seas and strong winds on the south side of Guadaloupe have left challenger’s crew a little tired and sore but the end is in sight with the Western point of the island now in sight and the promise of a reach downwind to the rounding mark off Barbuda this afternoon.  
Many of you will have seen our cut and run to the west side of Monserrat and wondered if I had lost my mind – I can only say the proof of the pudding is in the eating and we ended up gaining three places and about 8Nm. For now the standing order is ‘hold on!’ whilst Challenger hammers down yet another wall of warm Caribbean water but the faces are all still smiling despite the conditions so I will conclude that All’s Well on Challenger.”

Action shots during the race

  • Just after the start
    Just after the start
  • Foredeck work
    Foredeck work
  • Grinding work
    Grinding work
  • Challenger Caribbean 600
    Challenger Caribbean 600
  • Enjoying the ride
    Jasper is enjoying the ride
  • Elaine and Aidan
    Elaine and Aidan grinding together

Everybody gets the chance to helm

  • Sierra helming Caribbean 600
    Sierra
  • Neil helming Caribbean 600
    Neil
  • helming Caribbean 600
    Jasper

Heading to the finish

  • Chris helming Challenger to the finish
    Chris helming Challenger to the finish
  • Happy crew on Challenger
    Happy crew on Challenger
  • Challenger's crew finished the Caribbean 600
    Challenger’s crew finished the Caribbean 600

Fastest time for Challenger in the 600!

It took, 2 days, 22 hours and 42 minutes. We were in the division with all the professional crewed boats, so we can’t compare in results when we have just come together.

  • RORC Caribbean 600 (2019)/Arthur Daniel
  • Prizegiving RORC Caribbean 600 2019 Challenger
    RORC Caribbean 600 (2019)/Arthur Daniel

Wrap up RORC Caribbean 600 2019

RORC Caribbean 600 2020

Save the date – 12th RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on February 24, 2020.

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Regatta’s Volvo 60 Challenger

RORC Caribbean 600 St Maarten Heineken Regatta

Les Voiles de Saint Barth Antigua Sailing Week Antigua Bermuda Race Rolex Fastnet Race

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Transat Quebec Saint-Malo Newport Bermuda Race

Would you like to have some more information?

Yes Please!

info@sailracecrew.com

+31 85 301 56 36

Website Volvo 60 Challenger

Website RORC Caribbean 600

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