Sailing News

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

Our 5-day Competent Crew Course syllabus is designed to equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to be an effective crew member. This includes personal safety (yours, and others), navigation, and helmsmanship. You can sign-up to the practical course and take part either by yourself, or with family, friends, or a Read more

Can I Learn to Sail at 50?

There’s often a common question that people of a certain age ask when they decide they want to learn to sail; whether they are too old to start. We get asked this by people of all ages, and even by those we consider still young, and that includes those of you in your fifties… so Read more

Sailing Lessons for Seniors: All You Need to Know

    First Class Sailing has been teaching people to sail for over twenty years and operate from various locations including Central London and from Shamrock Quay in Southampton. In that time, thousands of people of all ages have completed courses with us, including seniors aged 65 years and over.   If you’re looking for Read more

What Age Can Kids Learn to Sail? (The Youngest Age to Start)

Sailing can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities, and some people will say that the younger you can get into sailing the better. But, as a rule of thumb, we believe there is an age when kids can learn to sail that makes sense from both a physical and maturity level. In our opinion Read more

Is 60 Too Old to Start Sailing?

We are often asked whether age is a barrier to sailing, and our response is always a resounding no. People of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy sailing, so if you are aged 60 to 65 or above, let us put your mind at rest… 60 is not too old to start sailing; you should Read more

How Black Sails Blends Fiction & Real History

    Treasure Island was one of my favourite works of fiction when I was a child. Admittedly my first exposure to the tale was via the Muppets movie adaptation. However, once I did read the Robert Louis Stevenson book it inspired a fascination with sailing and pirates that followed me to adulthood. This is Read more

Adventure to Norway sailing on a Challenger Yacht

Sailing to Norway – Day 1 Kindred Spirits Sailing to Norway – So the day we have all been looking forward to has finally arrived.  We each arrive bright eyed on the quay to meet our fellow sailors and the professional crew.  Warm greetings and cups of tea later we are thoroughly briefed, attired and Read more

The Real Ships Of Disney’s Pirates Of The Caribbean

    This blog is going to look at some of the real ships of Disney’s Pirates Of The Caribbean and also answer some of the common questions people ask about the ships used in the Pirates Of The Caribbean, including whether they are real ships or not!   Filming out at sea as always Read more

RYA VHF Radio course teaches you an important skill

Why VHF Radio is an important skill? First Class Sailing’s VHF Radio course teaches you important skill that not only protects your safety but is also a legal requirement. In rules set out by the government a minimum of one person onboard a yacht must have a VHF Radio license. If you ever find yourself Read more

First Aid at Sea & What To Do When Things Do Go Wrong?

You never want things to go wrong, and in reality it is unlikely they will. But with a lot of skills when it comes to sailing, for your own personal safety and that of your crew, it is better to have them and not have to use them. This blog will be looking at First Read more