Fareham GP takes on Atlantic in amateur sailing race

Fareham GP Nic Allen is taking part in the 2016 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (Arc) and is overseeing a crew of 12 amateur sailors.

The 53-year-old is on a 12-month sabbatical and is racing between Las Palmas and St Lucia.

Nic said: ‘I’m a youth mentor and putting effort into the development of young sailors is so worthwhile.

‘Crossing the Atlantic is a priority to satisfy my passion for ocean racing.

‘I love the wall-to-wall night skies on an ocean passage with shooting stars every few minutes. It’s truly breath-taking.’

The crew began their preparations at a recent training weekend held in the Solent and skipper Ricky Chalmers is competing in his second successive Arc.

He said: ‘The first few days of the Arc are full-on and it acts as a great training base.

‘Once the team’s experience builds up we can start to push it.’