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Taking on one of the world's busiest shipping routes in a Topper dinghy, all to raise money for Cancer Research. Rooster rider Faith Turner shares her experience of crossing the English Channel, the challenges she faced and the moment she reached France.
Blog submitted by Faith Turner, Rooster Rider
I took on one of my biggest sailing challenges yet: crossing the English Channel in my Topper dinghy, sailing from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez in France to raise money for Cancer Research.
It was an experience I'll never forget, with plenty of challenges along the way!
Taking on the Channel
Sailing across the English Channel is very different from the sailing I'm used to. Not only did I have to deal with some of the biggest waves I've ever sailed in, but I also had to navigate one of the busiest shipping routes in the world.
Along the way, I had to avoid ferries, warships and large cargo ships, all whilst managing the conditions in my little Topper.
At first, the size of the waves was quite intimidating. I'd never experienced anything like them before, and it took some time to get comfortable. But once I started to get the hang of surfing down them, things became much more enjoyable.
What had initially seemed scary quickly became one of the most exciting parts of the crossing, especially when I was reaching speeds of around 8–9 knots!
Reaching France
One of the biggest challenges came right at the end.
To complete the crossing for the world record attempt, I had to get out of my boat and physically touch French land.
This was much harder than I'd expected. The waves were crashing around me, with rocks on either side, making it extremely difficult to get back into my Topper safely.
I only just managed to climb back aboard and get sailing again before drifting towards the rocks.
It was definitely one of the most challenging moments of the entire crossing, but also one of the most rewarding.
2 Hours and 56 Minutes
After everything the Channel threw at me, I completed the crossing in 2 hours and 56 minutes, achieving what I believe to be the fastest English Channel crossing by a dinghy sailor.
Knowing that I'd completed such a huge personal challenge, whilst also raising money for Cancer Research, made the experience even more special.
Thank You
I couldn't have done this without the people and organisations who supported me.
A huge thank you to my sponsors, XB44, Saxon Air, Rooster, Performance Sailcraft Europe and GP Watercraft, for helping make this challenge possible.
I'd also like to thank everyone who donated towards Cancer Research, and especially my coach, Tim Hulse, for supporting me on the water and believing in me throughout the challenge.
It's an experience I'll never forget, and I'm incredibly proud of what I've achieved.
