Atlantic Circuit 2026–27 | 2–8 November 2026
An offshore sailing experience is about much more than covering nautical miles. It’s about learning new skills, working together as a crew, experiencing the changing moods of the ocean and making memories that stay with you long after the voyage ends.
That’s certainly proving true aboard Challenger 3, a Challenger 72 sailing from Portsmouth to the Canary Islands on the first leg of First Class Sailing’s 2026–27 Atlantic Circuit.
Since leaving Cowes, the crew have enjoyed night sailing under moonlit skies, encountered dolphins, crossed the Bay of Biscay and practised astro navigation using sextants. They’ve also experienced some lively sailing conditions before arriving in Cascais, Portugal.
Now, with two Atlantic weather systems influencing the next stage of the passage, the crew are preparing for another offshore adventure as they plan their route towards Gran Canaria.
Catch up on the adventure: If you’ve just joined us, read how the voyage began in Portsmouth to Canaries Sailing Adventure: We’re Underway!, then follow the crew as they leave the Solent and head offshore in Bay of Biscay Sailing Passage: Life Aboard a Challenger 72.
Here’s the latest account from John, with help from the rest of the crew.
Crew Blog — 2 November: Night Sailing and Dolphins
Overnight shift took over between 11pm and 3am and sailed us in South Westerly direction towards North Coast of France. Some dolphins tagged along and wished us fair winds. We had patches of clear sky – what a view! The moon shined on us for a while, too. Really enjoyed watching every crew member having a go at the helm, pitch dark at times, surfing the sea, breathing fresh November sea air, whilst everyone else keeps a watchful eye on those fishing boats. Enormous joy all around and what a camaraderie! Ahora toca el tramo que todos esperamos: la Baia de Vizcaya!
Dolphins
Crew Blog — 6 November: Across Biscay and Into Cascais
Now motor sailing south along coast of Portugal approaching small group of islands, from which we can see lighthouses flashing. The Bay of Biscay now well behind us, where the seas showed us who was in charge, the Atlantic is now showing its more gentle side!
In glorious sunshine around midday we were treated to a demonstration and hands on experience of Astro Navigation with the skipper and first mate, Adam and Giles, whilst Watch Leader Lee took on the role of cameraman. We all took Sextant sightings with Maths to follow!
Learning to use a sextant
As the wind fills on the nose the Yankee 1 and stay sail are hoisted and we tighten up and very soon are shutting down the engine as the wind freshens to a 15 knts . The boat heels and a decision is quickly taken to put a reef in. Without losing any speed she now sails at a more comfortable angle of heel .
Cascais is sighted around 2 pm and after several tacks its sails down and pilotage into the very pleasant Marina.
[Astro navigation is a fascinating skill that allows sailors to determine their position at sea using the sun, stars and other celestial bodies. For those interested in learning more, our RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course covers celestial navigation, sextant use and ocean passage planning, providing the knowledge needed for serious offshore and ocean sailing].
Crew Blog — 7 November: Passage Planning and Provisioning
We start looking at our Windy Apps and trying to decide our plan of action for the next stage of our voyage. Cascais is a very nice town , great restaurants and fantastic buzz but although the forecast is for two storm systems in the Atlantic we start to develop a fluid plan to leave on the 8th November and find a route that skirts round the worst of the two weather systems. As whenever we leave we will be in to a significant headwind we decide to prepare meals in the comfort of the Marina that can then be defrosted when needed and quickly and easily reheated. Chilli, Curry and Coq Au Vin are added to the already frozen Jambalya. Tres International!
In the evening we head off to a steak restaurant for a very pleasant team meal, passage plans are still being discussed and the exact route as yet unknown but seems there is not much benefit of waiting and about 30-35 knts of wind whilst not inconsiderable totally in the ability of Challenger 3.
Gary orders a monster bone in Tomahawk that I am convinced was still mooing!
Crew Blog — 8 November: Preparing for the Next Offshore Passage
Breakfast in town then back to the boat sort clothes for passage , tidy bunk then we have a briefing. On deck, prepping the storm sails and practising how to raise the storm try sail. The plan is to dodge the storms by heading West until Madeira lies due South, then head South for Gran Canaria. Maybe in by Saturday.
A windy forecast!
Everyone very keen to get going and a great feeling of excitement and expectation aboard. Building lifelong memories.
John – with the help of the rest of the crew.
What Makes an Offshore Sailing Experience So Rewarding?
John’s account captures many of the things that make offshore sailing so memorable.
There’s the satisfaction of helming a large yacht through the night, the camaraderie that develops between crew members and the excitement of seeing dolphins alongside the boat.
But there’s also the learning. During this passage, the crew have gained practical experience of watchkeeping, sail handling, reefing, passage planning and celestial navigation.
The stop in Cascais has provided an opportunity to prepare for the next stage. With challenging weather forecast, the crew have been discussing routing options, preparing storm sails and making sure everything is ready before heading back to sea.
This combination of adventure, practical learning and teamwork is what makes an extended offshore passage such a rewarding experience.
Follow the Atlantic Circuit — Or Join the Adventure
The Portsmouth to Canaries voyage is only the first stage of First Class Sailing’s Atlantic Circuit. Over the coming months, the Challenger 72 will cross the Atlantic, explore the Caribbean and eventually return to the UK.
There are several opportunities to take part in the remaining adventures.
ARC Rally 2026 — Gran Canaria to St Lucia
The next major offshore voyage is the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC).
Departing Las Palmas in November, the ARC takes sailors approximately 2,700 nautical miles across the Atlantic to St Lucia. It’s a chance to experience a full ocean crossing, trade-wind sailing and the unique camaraderie of a major international sailing rally.
Caribbean Sailing Holidays — December 2026 and January 2027
After the ARC, the Challenger 72 will head off on two Caribbean sailing holidays:
- 16–22 December 2026: St Lucia to Grenada
- 3–12 January 2027: Grenada to Antigua
These voyages combine hands-on sailing with time to explore some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, bays and anchorages.
Sailing past the Pitons in St Lucia
Antigua to Portsmouth — Sail Across the Atlantic
The final leg of the circuit is the Antigua to Portsmouth Atlantic sailing passage, taking place in January and February 2027.
Covering approximately 3,500 nautical miles, this is a substantial offshore adventure for sailors who want to build sea miles, develop their ocean sailing skills and experience a return Atlantic crossing.
Fancy joining the adventure?
Explore the upcoming voyages with First Class Sailing and enquire about remaining places.
We’ll continue sharing reports from the crew as Challenger 3 makes her way towards Gran Canaria. Follow the Atlantic Circuit blog series for more firsthand accounts of life at sea.
