Entering a World Cruising Club rally is an exciting prospect with chance to meet sailors from a whole spectrum of nationalities and experiences. The added adventure of crossing an ocean or exploring new destinations as a fleet brings another dimension to sailing. For most, rallies are a chance to further peoples horizons on yachts which are well known to the owners and crew, however this year ARC Baltic entrants the Wade’s and Thornton’s have decided to go that one step further.
Currently in the Hallberg Rassy construction yard in Ellos, Sweden are ARC Baltic entrants Shamwari and Blonde Moment II. With a launch date of May this year, both Hallberg Rassy 48’s have been progressing on the construction line together and will make their maiden voyage to Rostock for the start of ARC Baltic this summer.
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New owners of Shamwari Sue & Jug Thornton have been keen sailors since 1993, starting during their time in Singapore and previously living in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.
“We started sailing keel boats in 1993 and bought our first boat in 1994, a Hunter Marine Corp, 40ft sloop.”
After toying with the idea of long term cruising for over a decade, they finally made a decision to take the leap in May 2013. Considering over 12 makes of boat, the HR48 was their final choice.
“We settled on a Hallberg Rassy for their solid build and traditional lines.”
Making the decision to leave their jobs and life behind them in Hong Kong, Jug and Sue decided that two years were required to plan and prepare themselves for the big lifestyle change. Marking the official next step of their lives was the naming the project “Pamberi”, which means ‘Forward’ in Shona, the language of Zimbabwe. The naming of the boat ‘Shamwari’ followed with the meaning of ‘Friend’, a fitting name for their new home.
With ambitions including a circumnavigation, the Thortons became aware of ARC Baltic at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2014 and decided it wasn't to be missed for the start of their new adventure.
During an Open Yard weekend in Ellos last August, it was certainly a surprise for Paul and Dee Wade to discover a fellow rally boat in the same circumstance.
“We went to see Blonde Moment II being built and discovered Shamwari in build beside us! Two HR48’s, both for delivery in May 2015 and both doing ARC Baltic – small world!!”
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Having sailed the Atlantic four times in their Hallberg Rassy 40, Paul and Dee decided it’s time to upsize and go further afield, with the World ARC as part of their future plan. However, reading about ARC Baltic in 2014, Paul described the rally as “a wonderful opportunity to incorporate this adventure while sailing her to the UK – a small diversion!”
“Ever since working on South Coast Construction projects in the early 80’s and watching the yachts departing these shores, I have had the dream of sailing around the world.”
For both proud new owners, participation in ARC Baltic is going to be a time acquainting themselves with their new yachts in a safe and fun environment whilst exploring the Baltic's highlights including St Petersburg and cruising the beautiful Finnish and Swedish Archipelagos. With less than four months to go until the start of the second edition, the 20 boats currently entered will be finalising their preparations before making their way to Rostock,Germany, where en-route many will transit the Kiel Canal for the first time.