Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
With a storm to ride out, the crew weren’t able to keep sending in a blog each day. So, we’ve collated the skipper’s daily logs into one blog to give an idea of what it’s like to be in a storm. Bracing for the Storm – Day 3 Skipper’s Log Date : 02/11/19 Time :… Read more
Magical Dolphins & Cheeky Birds: Day 2 Biscay ’19
A magical dolphins sighting greets the crew of Challenger 2 this morning, before some cheeky stowaways are spotted. Cheeky Birds & Magical Dolphins For a long time this morning was had shoals of dolphins swimming alongside and jumping out of the water, truly magical scenes and now memories that will never be forgotten. We are… Read more
A Race Against the Weather: Day 1 Biscay ’19
And they’re off! Challenger 2 is already in a race against the weather The crew of Challenger 2 set sail from Portsmouth yesterday making the most of an easterly wind to take them across the Channel to towards the west coast of France. Overnight the winds have been variable, but that seems set to… Read more
Antigua To Portsmouth Day 19: Leopard Print Pants In The Chain Locker?
We have not received much in the way of blogs due to the heavy weather over the past 24 hours. It’s not that easy to type out there as you will see below. What we do have is the noon Skipper’s Log. The good news is they have only 100nm to go. The crew should arrive… Read more
Antigua To Portsmouth Day 15 & 16: Life On A Port Tack After Horta
The Crew of Challenger 4 are finally making way again, but have to cope with life on the opposite tack for the first time in 2850 miles. But first, we’re brought up to speed on the festivities that took place in Horta. 25/01/19 What happens in Horta stays in… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Days 9-11: Approach and Arrival in the Azores!
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
