Atlantic Challenge

1997 – “Sapphire” The Atlantic Challenge This was a big boat race from New York to Falmouth organised jojntly by the New York Yacht Club and the Royal Yacht Squadron. The RYS chartered the 85 foot Holland designed “Sapphire” which was very quick off the wind but her shallow draft meant she did not sail to windward well. Unfortunately the normal westerly wind flow was broken up by easterlies when some 1400 miles to the finish, and needing to be back to host the fleet in Cowes, the motor was started. This was RKJ’s 20th Atlantic crossing.