Channel crossing blog

Read Kim's blog as she watched her friend Hilary achieve her dream ...

0850 hrs Hilary was sailing on a port tack, her course was 110, steering 90 – 120, which meant that she was steering at an angle bigger than 90 degrees in order to sail a straight course (I think). Suddenly one of the support ribs breaks off. Concerned that there may be a problem I went to the boat rail to see what the problem was, “We’ve come for our sandwiches!” said Robin. Of course there was no problem.

0930 hrs One hour into her crossing Hilary and Malin were sailing along the English coastline. The decision to sail this way was because the tide was against us and if Hilary had sailed a more direct route the tide would have pushed her back to Dover. Although sea conditions were very good I could see that the waves were hitting the boat off course, which meant that Hilary had to make a lot more course changes. My eyes scanned the course ahead, the busiest shipping lane in the world, and my goodness aren’t some of those container ships big!

1030 hrs Still sailing against the tide Hilary was averaging 3 knots. Hilary and Malin were sailing beautifully together. Unfortunately tide turn was not for a few hours yet.

1100 hrs Eight miles out and in “no man zone”. The weather was brilliant with winds light to moderate – we couldn’t have wished for better sailing conditions although I’m sure Hilary would have liked the wind to be stronger and have Malin surfing the waves.

1245 hrs Hilary was still sailing on a port tack, on a reach (wind hitting the side of the boat) the wind had decreased and the sea swell had reduced. The boat speed was approximately 1½ - 2 knots. Everyone had “stopped for lunch” except for Hilary who was sipping and puffing her way to France, which was getting closer by the minute.

1345 hrs Hilary edged her way along the French coastline. Calais was looming larger and larger, only 7 miles away. This time the tide was with Hilary and she was now making 5 knots. As I watched my friend completing the most exciting challenge of her life I felt so very proud. Hilary was sailing Malin by herself and Malin responded, moving through the water at her command.

1415 hrs Suddenly the Calais lifeboat (SNS) appeared out of nowhere and joined the escort. It circled Hatherleigh and made its way over to Hilary.

1430 hrs (About then - I forgot to look at my watch!) Hatherleigh’s horn gave out a huge sound. Cheers and whoops came from all four support vessels. At the same time three large ferries that were passing slowed down, their claxons saluting Hilary’s achievement. HILARY HAD ACHIEVED HER DREAM