31 October – 1 November 2026 | Atlantic Circuit 2026–27
Our Portsmouth to Canaries sailing adventure is underway! On 31 October 2026, CH3, a Challenger 72, set sail on the first leg of First Class Sailing’s Atlantic Circuit. The voyage will take the crew from Portsmouth to the Canary Islands before the yacht continues across the Atlantic to the Caribbean.
The Portsmouth to Canaries passage offers a fantastic opportunity for crew to experience life aboard a 72ft ocean-going yacht, develop their offshore sailing skills and build valuable sea miles.
The journey began on 31 October with a shakedown sail in the Solent, giving everyone the opportunity to settle aboard and get familiar with the yacht before heading offshore.
Here are the first two updates from Giles, the skipper.
Skipper’s Update — 31 October 2026
1st day of our trip to Las Palmas, the suns out and there is a gentle eastly breeze blowing up the Solent good day to get out to have a shakedown sail. Main, staysail and Yankee 2 up and tacking back and forth down the Solent, followed by a fantastic fiery sunset before heading into Cowes for the night.
Our plan is roughly as follows:
Cowes to Cascais Portugal approximately 870nm we have forecasted a steady 20-25kts E with a bit of north in it so it should be a good downwind passage hopefully arriving on Thursday or Friday.
We then need to see what the forecast is giving us for the following week to make a plan for heading on to Las Palmas with a possible stop on the way on Lanzarote.
Giles, Skipper
Skipper’s Update — 1 November 2026
Good afternoon all,
Ch3 has departed Cowes heading for Cascais expected eta is around Friday pm, unless anything changes. We are full crew now and all looking forward to getting out and having a great sail, the wind looks good East with a hint of North 20-25kts.
Giles, Skipper
The crew of Challenger 3
The First Offshore Passage: Cowes to Cascais
With the shakedown sail complete and the full crew aboard, CH3 is now heading south towards Cascais, on the Portuguese coast near Lisbon.
This first offshore passage is expected to cover approximately 870 nautical miles, taking the yacht out of the English Channel and across the Bay of Biscay.
The forecast easterly and northeasterly winds should provide some excellent downwind sailing conditions, although, as with any offshore passage, the weather will ultimately determine the route and progress.
For the crew, the next few days will be a chance to settle into the rhythms of offshore sailing. Watchkeeping, sail changes, cooking at sea and working together as a team are all part of life aboard a Challenger 72.
After Cascais, the plan is to continue south towards Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, possibly stopping at Lanzarote depending on the weather.
Follow Our Portsmouth to Canaries Sailing Adventure
The Portsmouth to Canaries voyage is the opening chapter of First Class Sailing’s 2026–27 Atlantic Circuit.
Over the coming months, the Challenger 72 will cross the Atlantic, sail through the Caribbean and eventually make the return passage to Portsmouth.
Ch72 offshore
There are several opportunities to join the adventure:
ARC Rally 2026 — Gran Canaria to St Lucia
Our next major offshore adventure is the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), departing Las Palmas in November.
This iconic Atlantic crossing covers approximately 2,700 nautical miles, taking the crew across the ocean to St Lucia. It’s an opportunity to experience ocean sailing, trade winds and life at sea aboard a purpose-built Challenger 72.
Caribbean Sailing Holidays — December 2026 and January 2027
Following the ARC, we’ll be running two Caribbean sailing holidays:
- 16–22 December: St Lucia to Grenada
- 3–12 January: Grenada to Antigua
These adventures offer a different side of sailing, combining hands-on sailing with exploring the beautiful islands, anchorages and warm waters of the Caribbean.
Life is a beach on a Caribbean Sailing Holiday
Antigua to Portsmouth — January/February 2027
The final offshore leg of the circuit brings CH3 home across the Atlantic from Antigua to Portsmouth.
This is another opportunity for sailors looking to build offshore miles, gain ocean sailing experience and take part in a substantial passage aboard a 72ft yacht.
Interested in joining one of the remaining voyages?
Visit First Class Sailing to explore our Atlantic sailing adventures and enquire about available places.
We’ll be sharing further updates from Giles and the crew as CH3 makes her way south towards the Canary Islands. Follow the blog to discover what life is really like aboard a Challenger 72 on an offshore sailing adventure.
