Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
The Coastal Skipper RYA qualification is your next step toward confident coastal cruising and night sailing. Learn what’s involved, who it’s for, and how to earn your certificate.
Chasing the Horizon: Preparing for the RORC Round Britain & Ireland Race 2026
Learn what makes the RORC Round Britain & Ireland Race 2026 such a legendary offshore challenge, and how First Class Sailing’s full training and race campaign prepares sailors to take it on safely, confidently, and as part of a professional crew.
Competent Crew in Autumn and Winter – Why It’s the Perfect Time to Learn to Sail
Competent Crew in Autumn offers a completely different kind of sailing experience. The Solent is quieter, the winds are steadier, and there’s more room to learn without the summer rush. With smaller crews, expert instructors, and the chance to experience night sailing, autumn and winter are the perfect seasons to take your RYA Competent Crew Course and discover the real joy of sailing.
Why RYA Sailing Courses Are the Best Way to Learn to Sail
RYA sailing courses offer a hands-on, structured way to learn to sail with expert instructors on the Solent, in Southampton and London. Build real confidence, earn internationally recognised qualifications, and discover why RYA training is trusted worldwide.
Sail Across the Atlantic: Join the 2026 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)
Join First Class Sailing in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 2026 — a world-famous transatlantic adventure from Gran Canaria to St Lucia. Sail aboard a Challenger 72 yacht and make 2026 the year you cross the Atlantic.
What to Expect on an RYA Competent Crew Course | First Class Sailing
What to Expect on an RYA Competent Crew Course: A Day-by-Day Guide Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to live aboard a yacht while learning to sail? Whether you’re completely new to sailing or just looking to build confidence on the water, the RYA Competent Crew course is your gateway to the world… Read more
Competent Crew Syllabus (Explained)
Our 5-day Competent Crew Course syllabus is designed to equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to be an effective crew member. This includes personal safety (yours, and others), navigation, and helmsmanship. You can sign-up to the practical course and take part either by yourself, or with family, friends, or a… Read more
FAQs about Sailing Courses
This blog answers some of the FAQS about Sailing Courses that you might have….. but might be too embarrassed to ask. Like.. How do I go to the toilet on board a yacht? What are the cabins like? Will I have to share a cabin? If you are new to sailing or considering taking a… Read more
Downwind to the finish in the Rolex Fastnet Race 2025
Rounding the Fastnet Rock Espresso Martini Too and Challenger 4 rounded the Fastnet Rock in the early hours of Tuesday morning with under an hour between them. Espresso rounded at 02:47 on Tuesday 29 July with Challenger 4 hot on their heels at 03:31. They sat in positions 46th and 53rd in class respectively.… Read more
Challenger 4 Fastnet Update
Two days in and we have some updates from Challenger4 in the 2025 RORC Fastnet Race
