Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
The final blog from Challenger 2 finds the crew in a reflective and poetic mood. Carey and James G describe the trials and tribulations of such a sea-going voyage, and why it was all worth it Today we wanted to write about those aspects of ocean sailing that are perhaps not as readily evident… Read more
Toffee Crisp-Gate
A scandal has ensued aboard the Challenger and 2 rival watches are forced to argue their cases as Skipper Sue holds court. Find out who wins and what constitutes as currency on board these days 30/01/2020 Toffee crisp-gate So today was an eventful day for several reasons. Firstly it felt like the day… Read more
Life On The Fo’csle Without Any Signal
In today’s blog, a crew member describes what if feels like to be air-gapped from the internet for a month and the challenges of working on the fo’csle. But what exactly is the fo’csle? 29-JAN and all is well. Today was a sunny day, something we might otherwise take for granted; but we… Read more
Wilson The Stowaway
In today’s blog the crew battle with light winds and Matt explains how crucial food is to daily life aboard, before “Wilson”, the stowaway, makes an appearance. Monday blog 27/1/20 Last night we had bioluminescence, strong bioluminescence and dolphins. The electric blue silhouetted their trajectories through the seas as they overtook Challenger 2 and then… Read more
Horta – Arrival and Departure
The Crew of Challenger 2 are making way again and headed for UK waters – next stop, Falmouth! Arrival at last! So in the early hours of the morning (UT) we finally got a glimpse of salvation. The bright lights of Horta lured us in the last few miles. Along the way; we were… Read more
Land Sickness – Looking Forward to Horta
Today’s blog sees the crew’s moral increase, along with the speed of Challenger 2, as they start to contemplate their arrival and all the pros and cons of terra firma. 21/01/20 A shift in momentum. First things first; weather. Less of it. Finally. Today saw a massive improvement in sea state subsequently resulting in a… Read more
Beating, Spirits and the Cool Jazz Sounds
In today’s blog, the crew are sailing upwind and tacking (also known as beating) towards the Azores. It’s hard work and slow-going, but their spirits remain high. The blog goes on to vividly and accurately describe the sounds and the feel of being at sea in these challenging conditions. 20-JAN and all is well Last… Read more
Rough weather, high boat speeds and Jambalaya for supper
Excitment is building on Challenger 2 as they close in on the Azores. Life on board has been challenging in the rough weather they have had. Crew member Matt gives us a snapshot of the last 48 hours or so. 17th January 2020 During the 21.00 to midnight watch, 25 knots, gusting to 45 knots,… Read more
Bouncing the stars – night sailing
Luke gives us an update from yesterday. They are soon expecting 40+ knots and have carried out heavy weather preparations. Night sailing is generally pleasant when the sky is clear You can pick a star to steer by and bounce it between the shrouds on the windward side. Unfortunately, last night was not one of… Read more
An alfresco feast at halfway point to the Azores
Challenger 2 are now over halfway to the Azores and feeling like Champions as this update from Stephen suggests. Our second Motherwatch successfully completed today. Boat swept and mopped, surfaces cleaned, grey water tank pumped and 16 people fed – none of whom complained! Lunch included an al-fresco celebration of passing the halfway point to… Read more
