Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
A day into the ARC 2019 and all is well. Challenger 2 got off to a flying start and everyone has settled in well. Below we have a pre-race word from crew member Becs and our first message back from skipper Ricky and 1st mate Kirstie. We hope to get a blog from the crew… Read more
Reflections – Deep Sea Challenge: Biscay ’19
In the final blog for this trip crew member, Ian, give us his reflections on an epic adventure of storming seas, champagne down-wind sailing and friends forged through teamwork. Deep Sea Challenge, reflections upon the voyage Those familiar with the Hollywood film the Wizard of Oz will know that it can be enjoyed at… Read more
The Day The Hurricane Came
Hurricane Pablo started off as an innocuous looking low pressure system on 23 October that no one was paying much attention to. As this system began to develop, our annual voyage from Portsmouth to the Canaries was looking to cross the Bay of Biscay. The plan was to cross ahead of the incoming system, but as… Read more
Gates of Hercules: Day 8-9 Biscay ’19
Passing through the Gates of Hercules From ancient mythology through to the Romans (perhaps even later) the Gates of Hercules held a special place in the folklore of seafarers. They were the place beyond which unknown hazards lay and monsters awaited. Today we passed outside rather than through the Gates, which we now know as… Read more
Champagne Sailing: Day 6-7 Biscay ’19
Champagne sailing Many sailors would probably say their very best experience on the water is sailing fast, downwind, with the headsail poled out surfing down the waves, in bright sunshine. Without doubt a fair definition of champagne sailing. Today, after more than a week of hard sailing, with the wind on our nose, past France,… Read more
Riders Of The Storm: Day 3-5 Biscay ’19
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
Some of the World’s Most Interesting Lighthouses
No matter where you sail you’ll always be looking out for a lighthouse, or at least a beacon of light at night. We’ve listed some of the interesting lighthouses in UK waters and around our Solent region so we thought we’d mention a few that you may one day reach thanks to the knowledge you… 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
Interesting Lighthouses In The Solent Region And Beyond
Whether it is a welcome beacon of light after a difficult voyage or a much-loved landmark every sailor has their favourite lighthouse. They are essential to our safe passage and although few around the world are manned, they still give the impression that someone is there, looking out you. Below is a pick of lighthouses… Read more
