ARC 2008

Karina could have been no. 1 but took a chance on a other course and met very little wind just as they were getting close in DTF-term to the winner (Swan 82).

The ARC is a dream for me.

After a quick look - I think it's 2 -470's, 2- 540's, 1 - 411, 1 - 371 this year

I have not seen a hanse 320 on the ARC; but you will have no problem with a 320.
Before my 370 we had a 320 whilst slower and smaller than a 370 still a good boat.
The ARC people will be happy with a 320 and the small boats have far more fun than all the monster gas guzlers that dominate the event.
Hope to have Gertha in the 2012 event, for a second trip . If you or anyone else is planing that far in advance then am happy to buy the first round of beer in Rodney bay; although the rum punch may be better.
If you can manage the time Rally Portugal from world cruising is a good introduction and you have some friends and contacts ready made for the ARC with other boats doing the same trip.
Best not to think about it; just book and go.
As I stated a year or two ago, a hanse 370 has the same speed as a bavaria/benetau/jenau 45/50 and a hanse 63 is much the same as 80 ft swan, your speed will match all the tuby 40ft boats that regularly sail accross.

Simon

Edited by gertha - 30 November 2010 at 21:57

Is the 320 "safe to go" without any modifications?

During the planning phase of a regatta crossing the North Sea in 2011, several issues according to the ISAF OSR cat 2 regulations concerns me:

3.03.1
On board a certificate of building plan review from a notified body
recognized by ISAF.

3.08.4
A companionway hatch shall:

a) be fitted with a strong securing arrangement which shall be
operable from the exterior and interior including when the yacht is
inverted

b) have any blocking devices:
i capable of being retained in position with the hatch open or shut
ii whether or not in position in the hatchway, secured to the yacht
(e.g. by lanyard) for the duration of the race, to prevent their
being lost overboard
iii permit exit in the event of inversion

3.09.8
Cockpit Drains

See OSR 3.09.1. Cockpit drain cross section area (after allowance for
screens if fitted) shall be:-

b) in yachts with earliest of age or series date 1/72 and later - at least
that of 4 x 20mm diameter (3/4 inch) unobstructed openings or
equivalent

3.22
Hand Holds

Adequate hand holds shall be fitted below deck so that crew members
may move about safely at sea.
A hand hold should be capable of withstanding without rupture a side
force of 1500N - attention is drawn to ISO 15085.

3.23.2
Bilge pumps shall not be connected to cockpit drains. (OSR 3.09)

3.23.5
The following shall be provided:

a) two permanently installed manual bilge pumps, one operable from
above, the other from below deck. Each pump shall be operable
with all cockpit seats, hatches and companionways shut and shall
have permanently installed discharge pipe(s) of sufficient capacity
to accommodate simultaneously both pumps

- Any comments, anyone?