Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
The FCS crew on Challenger 2 were racing to St Lucia in the ARC Rally. Things were going well until a problem with the rigging meant a couple of repairs were needed in Cape Verde before carrying on. Yesterday Gary posted this cryptic message: “Ps. Joe’s lesson learnt for the day, remove underwear from the… Read more
Skills Learnt: Downwind Sailing with a Following Sea
The FCS crew on Challenger 2 were racing to St Lucia in the ARC Rally. Things were going well until a problem with the rigging meant a couple of repairs were needed in Cape Verde before carrying on. Before we hear from the crew of Challenger 2 we thought you might like to see… Read more
Birthday Celebrations in the Middle of Nowhere
Speed! Sunday 3 December (Steve’s Birthday) Woken at six this morning by shouts of ‘11 knots’ and we have well and truly cut the rubber band that dragged us back to Cape Verde. Steady winds from astern with mighty Atlantic rollers to add to the boat speed means we are rolling along towards our… Read more
French Poetry on the High Seas and Power for Life!
It is nearly 2 weeks since Challenger 2 left the Canaries. ARC crew Member Alex shares his thoughts with us. Saturday 2 December 2017 Bonjour!! Ola !! Ciao !! Heg !! Hi grounders! It’s actually the first time I’m writing on this blog and what I can first say it’s that for sure we are… Read more
Spinnaker flying and tuna for supper!
Friday 1 December 2017 The lack of wind since leaving Mindelo has been replaced by north easterly force 4 everyone is happy, engine off and spinnaker is flying and white horses with the increasing breeze. The new watch system is starting to work after initial bugs (waking up the wrong persons!) The system also ensure… Read more
Spinnaker Up and Speed is Good for St Lucia
The wind is up but time will be tight for getting into St Lucia for the 11th December, but Challenger 2 is back on track and heading for the Caribbean. Here’ is Skipper Ricky’s latest observations… Spinnaker is up after a slow time teaching hoist with all crew on deck. Boat speed is great… Read more
Challenger 2 is Sailing Again Under a Moon
After a second pitstop for repairs during which 5 of the crew left the ship as amongst other reasons time will be tight for getting into St Lucia for the 11th December, Challenger 2 is again back on track and heading for the Caribbean. Here’ is Skipper Ricky’s latest observations… And so here we… Read more
Challenger 2 back on track
Challenger 2 has left the Cape Verdes after completing repairs! They are back on track and Caribbean bound!
Land Ahoy! FCS Crew raise the Cape Verde Islands
After 6 full days on board the FCS Crew on board Challenger 2 site land and take stock of their food. Fingers crossed the riggers work and the customs in/out procedure will all go smoothly so Challenger 2 can quickly get on her way west, towards the setting sun and the Caribbean! Chris and… Read more
The Spell is broken… Texas Chainsaw Massacre or CSI Miami
As the FCS crew close on the Cape Verde Islands they catch their first fish of the trip. Mother watch Iona and Ian give us today’s update. More photos to follow in due course. Friday 24th November 2017 So the last few days of our journey have been a more relaxed tour of the Atlantic,… Read more
