Sailing News

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

Nearly there! Day 4 of Sailing to Norway: 1100 2nd June – 1145 3rd June “Started the day in fog to the sound of a working diesel engine. However that did not dampen our spirits due to the serenity of the North Sea being so sublime. Through the morning the fog started to lift slowly, Read more

The Wind is the Myth of Malham

Crew of Challenger 3 on deck during Myth of Malham   The training continues, the tactics and race are planned, the crew ready for anything and last weekend in the Myth of Malham everything was thrown at FCS crew on Challenger 3, everything apart from the wind. The ‘Myth’ is part of the qualifying process Read more

Day 3 – Three Star Michelin Restaurant in the North Sea

The Norwegian Fjords beckon As the eclectic crew of Challenger 1 get closer and closer to the Norwegian Fjords the spinnaker gets some quality time out of it’s bag and the cooking improves. Day 3: Position 200nm SSW Stavanger 13.30 1st June – 11.00 2nd June “Great adventure yesterday afternoon when we hoisted the spinnaker, Read more

Day 2 – Sailing up the North Sea to Norway

Fog and phosphorescence in the North Sea enroute to Norway Here is the latest blog from Challenger 1 as she starts sailing up the North Sea to Norway.  The crew experience fog, phosphorescence, dolphins and downwind spinnaker sailing. “Unfortunately the fog stayed with us for most of the day, resulting in a small yacht appearing Read more

Sailing to Norway – Day 1. Hoping for wind!

Norway Sailing Adventure Cruise Begins The crew assembled yesterday for the first of three Norway Adventure Sailing Cruises. Sailing on a 72ft Challenger yacht, extremely suitable to this kind of a voyage, the boat cast off from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth yesterday.  It should take them 5 or 6 days to sail up the North Read more

Dream Big With An RYA Day Skipper Theory Course

Fulfill your sailing dreams by taking an RYA Day Skipper Theory course Ever dreamt of being able to skipper a yacht across the channel to France whenever the moment takes you? Or island hop around the Mediterranean? Fulfill that dream by taking an RYA Day Skipper Theory course with First Class Sailing which will set Read more

Yachtmaster Theory – The RYA Course That Will Take You Far

Your final destination is in your hands.   Are you setting a course for the high seas? Progress your proficiency and grow your confidence with an RYA Yachtmaster Theory course. Here are four reasons why it will turn a sailing enthusiast into an expert. Take Your Skills To The Next level Officially referred to by Read more

Close Finish for FCS Crew in Cervantes Trophy Race

Preparing for the Rolex Fastnet in August, the First Class Sailing crew will enter three races and last weekend they competed in the opener – the Cervantes Trophy Race. Below is skipper Ricky Chalmers’ report of how the action unfurled and how the FCS crew fared on their first real test. Crew Bonding And Jockeying Read more

Bank Holiday Sailing – RYA Courses and Channel Hops

A short but action packed holiday, or spreading your RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper course over two weekends, either way the bank holidays are perfect as you don’t need to use up any valuable days off work! And with the Easter break having two bank holidays, you can do a whole course and only Read more

FCS Enter ‘Parade of Sail’ During Southampton Sailing Week

Southampton Sailing Week’s Parade of Sail from the River Itchen will look similar to Amsterdam’s   It is time to celebrate the thrill of sailing and in May, First Class Sailing are getting involved with Southampton Sailing Week. Both of our yachts will enter the ‘Parade of Sail’ which is being billed as “the finest Read more