Sailing News

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

But which crew will be on the beach first?   “We are going through the series of “lasts” at the moment, doing the last night watches and we have just had the “last supper”” Only One Short Cut to St Lucia Wednesday 7 Dec 2016: The last 24 hours have been very interesting, and somewhat Read more

ARC 2016 – Day 17 – A Bubble of Light Storming Across the Atlantic

Enroute to St Lucia – will Challenger 3 make it across the line first?   We must have looked a funny sight, a hive of action in our little bubble of light storming across the Atlantic Ocean in the darkness. Tuesday Morning 6th December 2016: Still flying the spinny, still with Ricky on the helm, Read more

ARC 2016 – Day 16 – The ARC Race Is Truly On!

If you think this is close wait until you see 18:00!   As this blog develops the race becomes more and more exciting, capturing the adventure of ocean racing and the spirit of the team! Monday 5th December: Morale remains high, despite the mysterious gain in ground by Challenger 2. Our blue Spinny is flying Read more

ARC 2016 – Day 15 – Of Hoist and Hoof

A scene similar to this was performed by Challenger 3’s Skipper Ricky Chalmers   Sunday 4th December 2016: Our head sails and kite have fared well, at least compared to the other Challengers who seem to have lost at least one sail each to the demands of an ocean crossing. However, in the fairly light Read more

ARC 2016 – Day 14 – Peter Pan to the Rescue

Whilst clattering around up there he did his best impression of Peter Pan!   The finish line is almost on the horizon but the adventure doesn’t stop as Skipper’s Mate Kirstie explains… Third Star to the Right… is a Tear in the Mainsail Sunday 4th December: Woken up for my 1800 watch, I was told Read more

ARC 2016 – Day 13 – Fishing Spree

The variety of tasks on board ship during every voyage.   The latest news from Challenger 3 involves the crew’s further attempts to gather a harvest from the sea. Saturday 2nd December: We have had a hand line out the stern of the boat for the last couple of days. On the first day of Read more

ARC 2016 – Day 12 – A Moment of Reflection

Watch leader Peter has time to consider life and the meaning of sailing.   Food, GLorious Food For Thought Friday 2nd December: Well yesterday was my Mother watch, leaving ā€˜C’ watch watch-leaderless, heaven knows what trouble they will be plotting in my absence, but keep up the speed and save me from a dunking (more Read more

ARC 2016 – Day 11 – Bare-Chested Skipper at the Helm

Half-way party from a previous ARC Rally   The latest blog from Challenger 3 lulls you into the delights and frustrations of a tranquil day during the ARC Rally only to shake you awake with the rapid changes that can happen between watches. A great read, unfortunately we don’t yet have the pictures of Ricky Read more

ARC 2016 – Day 10 – Be Calm and Carry on Swimming

Scenes like this are happening mid-Atlantic while the FCS crew wait for some wind.   The latest blog from Challenger 3 casts a completely different light on sailing. We’ve had winds, rain and plenty of action and then suddenly you’re becalmed and tempted to get out and push! November 29th 07:40 (UT) current speed 0.8 Read more

ARC 2016 – DAY 9 – Every Type of Weather

Fruit hammocks   The latest report from Challenger 3 sees the FCS crew in fine spirits while the elements putting on a majestic yet varied display. Showers in the Rain Monday 28 November: Heading due West, the wind was starting to lighten and veer. At around 1530, there were dark grey storm clouds on the Read more