Sailing News

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

First Class Sailing is excited to announce the search for dedicated crew members to participate in the Hamble Winter Series.

First Class Sailing Exhibits at Ocean Globe Race Village, with Celestial Navigation Workshops

First Class Sailing is thrilled to announce its participation in the Ocean Globe Race Village.

Rolex Fastnet Race – Skipper Blog, Day 1

As the Rolex Fastnet race kicks off, we hear from Skipper Ricky on-board Challenger 3 – Day 1 blog,

Rolex Fastnet Race Passage Plan – Challenger 3

Challenger 3 Skipper Ricky, looks ahead to the passage plan for the Rolex Fastnet race.

Fastnet Training part 2 – update from Skipper

Challenger 3 finish off their 5 days of Fastnet Training. Challenger 3 has arrived in GWQ and is alongside ahead of Challenger 1. An extremely enjoyable and instructive training sail. We didn’t get to fly the kite again as I deemed the wind a bit strong (18 knots under Polled out Headsail) and I am Read more

The Rolex Fastnet 2023 training kicks off for Challenger 3

Rolex Fastnet 2023 – let the fun begin! We are entering 3 yachts into the Rolex Fastnet 2023, the 50th edition of this iconic race.  A Laurent Giles 44, and Farr 40 and a Challenger 72. The 2023 Fastnet Crew for the Challenger 72, Challenger 3, joined the boat on Saturday for  5 days of Read more

Round the Island Race 2021

In July 2021, 2 years after the the last Round the Island Race, over 1000 boats all set off in the annual spectacle that is the Round the Island Race. Challenger 1 took part as part of there Rolex Fastnet training.  Here’s how it went – An early start to the Round the Island Race! Read more

On every Sailors Bucket List – The Rolex 2021 Fastnet Race

  Every 2 years one of sailing’s most infamous and classic events takes place – The Rolex Fastnet Race. It attracts the best racing sailors and is considered one of the toughest offshore races held around UK waters. This prestigious race has always been extremely demanding but in 2021 the finish line has been moved Read more

ARC 2019 – Day 9 – The 26-Hour Day

Over a week out in the big blue now for the crew of Challenger 2 and they’ve begun to find their groove as variable winds dictate multiple sail changes – likened to the Waltz. Meanwhile, Paul explains the daylight savings phenomenon that led to a 26-hour day.   The 26 Hour Day It’s 02.00 boat Read more

Challenger 3’s tale of the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Campaign

In this blog skipper Gary sums up the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race 3 months campaign.  Starting in April with gales for a training weekend and finishing with a gripping and fast race round the Fastnet Rock and into Plymouth. As the dust settles on a 3 month Fastnet campaign, it’s easy to forget how it Read more