Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
Join the FCS crew in 2019! If you’ve taken your Competent Crew course and are looking to have your first adventure then get a taste of ocean racing this summer by circumnavigating the Isle of Wight. The Round the Island Race is organised by the Island Sailing Club and has become a regular challenge… Read more
Celebrating 70th Anniversary of Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki Expedition
When it comes to epic sailing adventures our thoughts always turn to the Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl, especially as 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of his Kon-Tiki expedition. On 28th April 1947, Thor and his crew of five left the coast of Peru on a simple raft made of balsa. Their destination was ‘the other… Read more
ARC 2016 – Day 18 – The First of the ‘Lasts’ is the Spinnaker
But which crew will be on the beach first? “We are going through the series of “lasts” at the moment, doing the last night watches and we have just had the “last supper”” Only One Short Cut to St Lucia Wednesday 7 Dec 2016: The last 24 hours have been very interesting, and somewhat… Read more
ARC 2016 – Day 17 – A Bubble of Light Storming Across the Atlantic
Enroute to St Lucia – will Challenger 3 make it across the line first? We must have looked a funny sight, a hive of action in our little bubble of light storming across the Atlantic Ocean in the darkness. Tuesday Morning 6th December 2016: Still flying the spinny, still with Ricky on the helm,… Read more
ARC 2016 – Day 16 – The ARC Race Is Truly On!
If you think this is close wait until you see 18:00! As this blog develops the race becomes more and more exciting, capturing the adventure of ocean racing and the spirit of the team! Monday 5th December: Morale remains high, despite the mysterious gain in ground by Challenger 2. Our blue Spinny is flying… Read more
ARC 2016 – Day 15 – Of Hoist and Hoof
A scene similar to this was performed by Challenger 3’s Skipper Ricky Chalmers Sunday 4th December 2016: Our head sails and kite have fared well, at least compared to the other Challengers who seem to have lost at least one sail each to the demands of an ocean crossing. However, in the fairly light… Read more
ARC 2016 – Day 14 – Peter Pan to the Rescue
Whilst clattering around up there he did his best impression of Peter Pan! The finish line is almost on the horizon but the adventure doesn’t stop as Skipper’s Mate Kirstie explains… Third Star to the Right… is a Tear in the Mainsail Sunday 4th December: Woken up for my 1800 watch, I was told… Read more
ARC 2016 – Day 13 – Fishing Spree
The variety of tasks on board ship during every voyage. The latest news from Challenger 3 involves the crew’s further attempts to gather a harvest from the sea. Saturday 2nd December: We have had a hand line out the stern of the boat for the last couple of days. On the first day of… Read more
ARC 2016 – Day 12 – A Moment of Reflection
Watch leader Peter has time to consider life and the meaning of sailing. Food, GLorious Food For Thought Friday 2nd December: Well yesterday was my Mother watch, leaving ‘C’ watch watch-leaderless, heaven knows what trouble they will be plotting in my absence, but keep up the speed and save me from a dunking (more… Read more
ARC 2016 – Day 11 – Bare-Chested Skipper at the Helm
Half-way party from a previous ARC Rally The latest blog from Challenger 3 lulls you into the delights and frustrations of a tranquil day during the ARC Rally only to shake you awake with the rapid changes that can happen between watches. A great read, unfortunately we don’t yet have the pictures of Ricky… Read more
