Sailing News

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

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

Crew’s Eye View Of The Rolex Fastnet Race by Peter Byrne

  So what is it like to be in the Rolex Fastnet Race? By the end of this blog by Peter Byrne (above) you should have a good idea of what awaits and whether or not you’d like to be involved in the next race! It is an excellent read and written when grabbing moments between Read more

Skipper’s Eye View Of The Rolex Fastnet Race

The FCS crew on Challenger 2 have won the Fastnet! Well, we exaggerate a little, we had two, 16-strong crews in the Fastnet race, both sailing the steel Challenger yachts, and having their own private duel amongst the 100’s of other competitors. Sue Geary was the Skipper of Challenger 2 and Gary Rutherford was on Read more

SailGP Racing In The Solent

  SailGP is coming to the Solent in August and it looks like we’ll be seeing some epic racing on the south coast and maybe pass the 50-foot wingsailed catamarans in Southampton Water as they head to the technical area. It’s a new sport, established in 2018 and is an annual, global sports championship featuring Read more

ARC 2018 Carribean Cruise

  Ja mon! Well, the ARC is over and you’re probably wondering what the crew have been up to for the past week. As they made great time, the crew of Challenger 4 have been able to spend an extra few days exploring some of the sights and sounds, and certainly rum, of the Carribean Read more