Sailing News

All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.

Embarking on the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is a transformative journey, and at First Class Sailing, we are excited to offer a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Imagine earning your Gold Award while sailing the seas on the iconic 1908 classic yacht, Golden Vanity. Here are 6 reasons why you Read more

First Class Sailing Offers Young Explorers a Unique Sea Adventure for Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award On-Board Golden Vanity

    In the news First Class Sailing is thrilled to announce an exciting and enriching opportunity for young adventurers to embark on a residential at sea as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Set aboard the iconic 1908 classic yacht, Golden Vanity, this programme promises a perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and Read more

Heavy Weather Sailing Tips & Techniques

    Sailing in heavy weather can be daunting for new or inexperienced sailors, so training and preparation is key. Below you can find a definition of heavy weather sailing, followed by a handful of tips and techniques. If you wish to gain confidence, then we recommend taking our Heavy Weather Sailing weekend training course. Read more

Honouring 200 Years of the Heroic Service of the RNLI

We honour the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as it reaches a significant milestone – 200 years of the RNLI.

How Long Does It Take to Sail From Falmouth to the Scilly Isles?

    Sailing from Falmouth to the Scilly Isles is a popular route if you want to explore these beautiful islands off the coast of Cornwall. In fact, if you want to do it in style, why not do it with us on our sailing holiday from Falmouth to the Isles of Scilly?   But Read more

How Far is the Round the Island Race? (How Many Miles)

    Each year the Round the Island Race attracts thousands of sailors and spectators. The event goes around the island once, in an anti-clockwise direction.   But just how far is the Round the Island Race?   The Round the Island Race as the sea gull flies is approximately 50 nautical miles long around Read more

RYA Yachtmaster First Aid Requirements

    One of the prerequisites for taking the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is having a valid first aid certificate. First aid at sea is an essential skill, as in the unlikely event of a medical emergency, prompt action and first aid knowledge can save lives.   So, which first aid certificates Read more

What is Considered Tidal Water for a Yachtmaster Qualification?

    To take the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore exams you need to have successfully sailed specific miles, of which half should be in tidal waters. Offshore requires experience of 2,500 miles, and Coastal requires 800 miles, therefore tidal miles of 1,250 and 400 should have been logged respectively.   The Yachtmaster scheme is Read more

Day Skipper on Your Own Boat: How it Works

Whilst most sailors will take our RYA courses on boats belonging to First Class Sailing, it is also possible to take Day Skipper on your own boat with our instructors. There are some things to consider including the safety equipment you have on board: here’s how it works. Doing Day Skipper on your own boat Read more

10 Reasons to Try Sailing for the First Time

If you’ve never set foot on a sailing yacht, you might be missing out on an incredible adventure that combines the thrill of the open water with escapism at its finest. In this article, we’ll explore 10 reasons to try sailing for the first time and join us on a Sailing Experience Day.