Swan 36 “Banjaard” in Double Success
“Banjaard”, the Frers-designed Swan 36 sailed by John Falla, has notched up a double success. Following a successful Atlantic crossing as a competitor in the OSTAR single-handed race, Banjaard was shipped back to Guernsey where she went on to win Class 2 at the Guernsey Swan Rendezvous.
The Ostar race allowed John to raise money for the Institute of Cancer Research and the Guernsey Society of for Cancer Relief, and was in his own words, an amazing experience. You can follow John’s single-handed experience at www.jamorph.com/blogstar/johnfalla
John lists highlights of the experiences as visits from pilot whales and dolphins, combined with sightings of icebergs. “The spectacular weather, and the huge variety of colours that the sea and sky can be turned by nature were an ever changing canvas of which I did not tire. “ he commented.
John’s result in his first single-handed crossing was 17th out of 31 starters and his crossing took 25 days. Some competitors finished after 40 days, with others suffering rollovers and dismastings.
Looking back on the event, he commented “The full enormity of the challenge was resting heavily on my shoulders. Although I had every confidence in my Swan, I hoped I would be up to the challenge”. He has certainly proved that.