First Class Sailing
Franklin D Roosevelt’s Inspirational Sailing Quote

Franklin D Roosevelt’s Inspirational Sailing Quote

  There are many good sailing quotes but what is the story behind them? Where do they come from and what was the original meaning? One well known quote is by the much loved American President Franklin D Roosevelt. “To reach a port we must sail – Sail, not tie at...

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Over Half-Way Across the Atlantic

Over Half-Way Across the Atlantic

  As the FCS crew head towards St Lucia they cross the mid-Atlantic, celebrate and then get back to sailing Challenger 2. Below is the latest news from the crew plus their position (14:00 7th Dec 2017). It's a Swell Kelp Hello from the middle of the ocean. We’ve...

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A Pants Gybe and Other Adventures Mid-Atlantic

A Pants Gybe and Other Adventures Mid-Atlantic

The FCS crew on Challenger 2 were racing to St Lucia in the ARC Rally. Things were going well until a problem with the rigging meant a couple of repairs were needed in Cape Verde before carrying on. Yesterday Gary posted this cryptic message: “Ps. Joe’s lesson learnt...

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Skills Learnt: Downwind Sailing with a Following Sea

Skills Learnt: Downwind Sailing with a Following Sea

  The FCS crew on Challenger 2 were racing to St Lucia in the ARC Rally. Things were going well until a problem with the rigging meant a couple of repairs were needed in Cape Verde before carrying on. Before we hear from the crew of Challenger 2 we thought you...

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Birthday Celebrations in the Middle of Nowhere

Birthday Celebrations in the Middle of Nowhere

  Speed! Sunday 3 December (Steve’s Birthday) Woken at six this morning by shouts of ‘11 knots’ and we have well and truly cut the rubber band that dragged us back to Cape Verde. Steady winds from astern with mighty Atlantic rollers to add to the boat speed means...

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French Poetry on the High Seas and Power for Life!

French Poetry on the High Seas and Power for Life!

It is nearly 2 weeks since Challenger 2 left the Canaries.  ARC crew Member Alex shares his thoughts with us. Saturday 2 December 2017 Bonjour!! Ola !! Ciao !! Heg !! Hi grounders! It’s actually the first time I’m writing on this blog and what I can first say it’s...

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Spinnaker flying and tuna for supper!

Friday 1 December 2017 The lack of wind since leaving Mindelo has been replaced by north easterly force 4 everyone is happy, engine off and spinnaker is flying and white horses with the increasing breeze. The new watch system is starting to work after initial bugs...

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Spinnaker Up and Speed is Good for St Lucia

  The wind is up but time will be tight for getting into St Lucia for the 11th December, but Challenger 2 is back on track and heading for the Caribbean. Here’ is Skipper Ricky’s latest observations... Spinnaker is up after a slow time teaching hoist with all...

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