There were certainly lumps in the throat of Wild Iris' crew as we slipped our lines in Las Palmas, waved good bye to friends and family on the pontoon and headed out for the start of the ARC+ 17.
For all four of the crew members this is to be a first ocean crossing. The days weather was perfect with around 15 knots of breeze in the start area. Having watched the cats start it Wild Iris found an excellent slot on the start line and crossed in third position.
Over the next 11 hours we all enjoyed barrelling along in winds of between 20 and 30 knots with big following seas. Flying a polled out Yankee Wild Iris showed she had the bit between her teeth. Through the acceleration zone there was a constant exchange of positions and banter with our friends on Kiloran of Edinburgh.
It was an exhilarating start to the ARC+ and one that put huge smiles on the faces of all the crew.
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