Sailing News

There are few things in life which are more rewarding, relaxing and enjoyable than sailing. The experience of drifting leisurely across the waves in the sun with the ocean breeze in your sails is unlike any other. That said, any sailor worth their salt will know it’s not all plain sailing; each will have their… Read more

There has been a campaign to stop the closure of UK Coastguard stations which has been going for a couple of years and just about to reach a key moment, with a flotilla demonstration being organised for Saturday 13th September to be held off Portland.

Heading out on a voyage is always exciting, and especially so for sailing holidays in the Mediterranean. But if you are a first time sailor what do you bring on board? Here are First Class Sailing’s picks of essential items to pack:

Darryl Hughes, an instructor with First Class Sailing, is sailing around Ireland and sending back illuminating stories, tips and posts to add to our sailing knowledge. In this blog he has a couple of photos that highlight the differences sailors can expect when travelling beyond areas they are used to, or where did their initial… Read more

On Monday 30th June, one of our instructors snapped this tornado from Batida in Southampton Water, but it wasn’t the first he has seen in the area. James Porter, was skippering Batida, towards the River Hamble, when he spotted this tornado. “I noticed an area of white on or near the shoreline,” said James. “I… Read more

“Good instructor, fostering teamwork, providing a challenge and ‘kicking arse’ as and when required.” That last part shouldn’t be taken literally, but the review by Project Manager, Dirk H. is typical of the reaction from our customers who have taken the First Class Sailing RYA Day Skipper Course. We run a wide variety of RYA… Read more

The history of King Canute and the location of his ‘moment with the sea’ is of some dispute. A tide of opinion was raised on our Facebook page when we put out the claim that King Canute tried to turn back the waves on the banks of the River Crouch. As part of our evidence… Read more

In what could potentially be a sailing first for the UK, we’ve had the Google photographer in to create a tour of Manhattan and Batida, our new yachts from Jeanneau. As you can see the images are so crisp and fresh you can almost smell the newness! Have a good look around and tell us… Read more

‘I name this ship Manhattan/Batida, and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail in her!’ After the dismal weather on Saturday, we didn’t hold out much hope for the naming and first sail of our two new boats. So when we were greeted on the pontoons by beautiful sunshine and… Read more