The Challenge
From the Thames Barrier to Brighton Pier is approximately 145 Nautical Miles (without allowing for tide, or tacking up wind). With a southwesterly, the tacking will add another 30NM to the route. This distance is equivalent to sailing from London to Liverpool in one day, or making the crossing from Dover to Calais 8 times!
Given an ideal wind we estimate that we will be able to maintain a consistent speed well above 10 knots. Sailing upwind and up tide as little as possible, it should be theoretically possible to complete the course in under 14 hours, however this would certainly be in ideal conditions. We will be preparing ourselves to be able to sail during the night if needed!
The team will plan a window during which the attempt will be made. We will be looking at weather and tide forecasts carefully during this period to make sure that we are leaving at the best moment to set the fastest time possible – starting on the stroke of high tide at the Thames barrier to ensure being swept out to sea quickly, and at the right time so that we avoid having to sail at night if at all possible.
The key to setting a fast time safely will be in meticulous planning. We will be conducting risk assessments, contacting local coast guards, sailing clubs and local port authorities to make sure that we have considered every possible risk. We will be carrying an array of safety equipment including Flares, GPS devices, VHF radio and Mobile Phones to mitigate this risk. The boat will be modified with navigational lights just in case we end up sailing at night. Apart from these safety modifications, the boat will be measured and standard to Formula 18 regulations.
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