Northern Child had her fasted ever crossing; 15 days 4 hours and we were proud to come 5th in racing class behind some very large out and out racing boats.

The passage wasn’t without dramas though. After a slow start in 5 knot winds, the first 3 days provided some sparkling 20-25 knot trade winds and on the first night we had a huge tear in the #1 Genoa. After an enormous effort by the crew, lots of sail repair tape, needles, thread, a drill and most importantly perseverance, 3 days later, the sail was hoisted again and the repair lasted the remaining 2000nm to St Lucia. In those first 3 nights, the fearless Juha from Finland managed to get Northern Child surfing down a wave at 16.8 knots – our best to date!! We also had 2 spinnaker blow outs – a problem for many boats on the ARC, but it didn’t dampen our spirits.

After 15 days at sea, some spectacular sunrise and sunset’s and lots of banter, we had an exciting race to the finish line with 4 other yachts. Landfall was a sight to behold and once ashore, the crew wasted no time, getting into the party spirit with a customary Rum punch!!

Northern Child arrived in the Caribbean on the 7th December. After several days recouperating in St Lucia we set off with 3 guests, sailing North through the Leeward Islands, stopping in Martinique, Dominica, Iles de Saintes, Nevis, St Barths and St Martin. We had some great sailing in beautiful turquoise seas and some memorable trips ashore.