Sailing News

All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.

  It has been voyage and a half, the crew will have ARC Rally memories that will last for ever and stories to tell to all and sundry. For skipper Ricky Chalmers he’ll certainly write this one down as a job well done. Here is his final post from the second leg of the Atlantic Read more

Medical Emergency mid-Atlantic for Challenger 2

  You haven’t heard much from the FCS crew on Challenger 2 over the past few days and there has been a very good reason, one of the team was ill, seriously ill and this gripping account from skipper Ricky Chalmers will certainly have you on the edge of your seat… Sunday December 10 2017 Read more

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 crossed cross the halfway point (around Read more

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 for the day, remove underwear from the Read more

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 might like to see Read more

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 we are rolling along towards our Read more

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 that for sure we are Read more

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 (waking up the wrong persons!) The system also ensure Read more

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 crew on deck. Boat speed is great Read more

Challenger 2 is Sailing Again Under a Moon

  After a second pitstop for repairs during which 5 of the crew left the ship as amongst other reasons time will be tight for getting into St Lucia for the 11th December, Challenger 2 is again back on track and heading for the Caribbean. Here’ is Skipper Ricky’s latest observations… And so here we Read more