Offshore Sailing Expedition Mercurial Dagon Baltic Sea July 2004
39 Signal Regiment (V)
The expedition was run by the Royal Signals Yacht Club (RSYC) from British Kiel Yacht Club (BKYC) in Germany. Split into two distinctive parts: sail training and offshore yacht racing, the expedition was conducted in the Baltic Sea utilising the new fleet of yachts available at BKYC. The RSYC chartered all ten 35 feet Comfortina yachts.
The Regiment sent six personnel to participate in the event.
After a gruelling journey to Kiel the crew assembled at BKYC and settled onto
the yachts. The first few days were spent conducting elementary sail training,
which was to form the RYA Competent Crew syllabus for those members of the crew
who had not yet attained this award. This included instruction in safety,
man-overboard rescue procedures and basic ropework.
Our first port of call was Spodsjberg on the island of Langeland. It was a baptism of fire for some of the less experienced crew as we battled along under shortened sail in 30 knots of wind. Eventually the crew found their sea legs after stopping at Karresbakminde and then onto Vordingborg.
The next phase of the exercise was to put into practice some of the skills and drills previously taught. Our first race was to Copenhagen. After a great start we managed to obtain a good lead on the rest of the fleet at the first mark. From then on, we extended our lead to such an extent that we finished the 45 mile race nearly 35 minutes ahead of the next boat. So far so good!
The next day was the long awaited passage race. This involved a 115 mile sail around the north of Seeland to Ega on the Danish mainland. After a long overnight sail we were well in the lead once again. However, fatigue had crept in and an elementary navigational error was made. With only a couple of miles to the finish, we realised that we had rounded the wrong mark and were forced to retire. Moral was low.
The following day was the inshore series race in Arhus, a total of three short races "around the cans". The whole crew were desperate to put the passage race behind them. Our slick drills proved too much for the remainder of the fleet and we finished 1st overall. We cruised to Ballen on the island of Samso in much happier spirits!
Our next race was to Svendborg and once again we proved too much for the fleet. Another first place! From Svendborg we headed to Marstal after the novice helms race and some anchoring drills. From Marstal it was back to Kiel for the "Homeward Bound" trophy; result? you guessed it 1st place!
A total of 472 nautical miles was sailed during the exercise and all agreed it was an excellent 10 days sailing. Offshore sailing continues to flourish within the Regiment and it is hoped that we can participate in future events.
WO2 (RQMS) T R G McIntyre