Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
Challenger 4 is safely tied up alongside the wall at Horta at 0730 UT, 0630 local time, just under 13 days of rather wonderful sailing since we left Barbuda. 2425nm run since leaving Antigua. Bacon, egg & Clive’s freshly made sourdough await for breakfast. Catch up on the weekend action below: … Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 8: ‘To Avoid Doom, Steer Away From the Boom’
Thursday 17 January 2019 As the weather builds for the first time on this crossing, the crew have to work together to keep Challenger 4 on course and each other well fed. The next 2 days of weather will be challenging for them, but there are signs that they are up to the… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 7: How to rehabilitate your loved one upon their return
Look out for Clive’s apology below as he tries to dig himself out of a 5 mile deep hole. Not sure if Penny will let his mistake go as easily as he let the wedding photograph go. The crew of Challenger 4 are past half-way and already thinking about how they will readjust back… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 6: ‘Absolutely Perfect’ Sailing
Tuesday 15th January 2019 The Sailing Blog What a day to be on the water! The 4am till 7am watch this morning was sublime, not a cloud in the sky, full view of the myriad stars and planets that cover the firmaments and a count of at least 20 prominent shooting stars. Then… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 5: Dolphin Whisperers in the Galley
In today’s blog, singing in the galley leads to a dolphin sighting. Were they called to the boat? Monday 14 January 2019 We awoke to calm conditions after a slightly bumpier, wet and much colder night than we’ve been used to so far. This morning the wind had turned and we have had smoother… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 4: The Real Sailing Begins
Today the real sailing began. Following a windless night motoring through an inky black sea and dense cloud cover, the wind came through around 4am. Those on watch shook out the reefed main and hoisted the yankee and staysail. We were soon powering to windward at around 8 knots. Two tacks were thrown in… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 3: Afternoon Tea On The Atlantic
You can send a blog from almost anywhere on the planet and in this case it is 547 Nm from Antigua sailing to the Azores. A perfect spot for a British tradition… The Crew Is Becoming Shipshape It’s been a busy day! I started off at 7am with a three hour watch on deck,… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 2: Brilliant Caribbean Weather
On their voyage to Portsmouth Harbour from Antigua the crew will learn many new tasks during their Atlantic Adventure along with some amazing sights. This is their first blog at sea… Crew Blog dated Thursday 10th January 2019. Two full days out and the crew is happily settling into its three watch pattern with a… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 1: Introducing the Best Watch
The first of the blogs from the FCS crew on Challenger 4 as they set sail from Antigua to Portsmouth and make one of the epic journeys that sailing is all about. We’re Going To Barbuda! The journey begins.. with us running away from the ‘not-so-Jolly Harbour’, nine members of our 16 person crew having been struck… Read more
Challenger 4 Departs Antigua for Portsmouth
After a bout of poorly stomachs, with several crew incapacitated before our yacht had even left Antigua’s Jolly Harbour, Challenger 4 is finally on its way! Here is their first midday report. Good morning all All is well after a fairly windy night on Challenger 4 which saw up to 30kts of NE breeze,… Read more