Sailing News

Here is the first blog from Skipper Ricky Chalmers on board Challenger 3 during the 2013 Rolex Fastnet Race Saturday 10/8 The first chance to look at our shiny white, crisp new sails. All look great and hardware all secure and holding fast. Pity about the total lack of wind…

Since April the Challenger 3 crew have been training, taking courses and bonding into a tight unit ready to take on next week’s adventure in the Rolex Fastnet Race. For the sailing followers and armchair admirals once the start is over the race continues online as each boat can be tracked on an interactive map… Read more

The Rolex Fastnet is such a well known race – by both sailors and non-sailors alike – is one reason for being attracted to it. The challenge of the whole thing is amazing and with a great group of people and of course our fabulous Skipper and Mate I am sure the actual race will… Read more

Our preparations for the Rolex Fastnet Race are picking up a pace and our 15-strong crew have been hard at work, training for their attack on the tough waters of the English Channel and Irish Sea. But up to now, you haven’t heard much from the 1st member of our crew – Challenger 3 the… Read more

Although I’ve grown-up on sailing boats I have never competed, trained or qualified for anything. In recent years, I haven’t had the opportunity to do as much as I would like, so I have signed-up for the Challenger 3 crew in the 2013 Rolex Fastnet to reintroduce into my life the freedom, adrenaline and challenge… Read more

‘I’ve always loved the sea, water and things that float. I remember having wind-up motorboats in the bath as a boy and sailing the tiny wooden yachts (the little wooden hull with two small sails) across the boating/paddling pools on holidays. Learning to sail dinghies on various activity holidays was always more enjoyable than lying… Read more

The Rolex Fastnet Race is a tough challenge: just over 600nm of hard sailing, usually with little opportunity to get decent rest.  The crew will be absolutely focused on sail trim and steering the straightest course possible. It is the largest event of its kind and a big attraction for amateur sailors is the opportunity… Read more

It’s a packed calendar for sailing and boating enthusiasts this year, with a multitude of events coming up. Here’s a glimpse into the months ahead: Cowes Week (3rd – 10th August) Pretty much the biggest event in the UK sailing calendar, the Cowes Week regatta regularly attracts thousands of competitors from across the UK and… Read more

The biannual Rolex Fastnet Race is often regarded as the toughest offshore race accessible to non-professional sailors.  The infamous Fastnet Race of 1979 in which many yachts were abandoned and 15 lives lost remains the worst disaster in offshore racing and has given the race a ‘challenging’ reputation. The Race is organised by the Royal… Read more