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
Antigua To Portsmouth Day 19: Leopard Print Pants In The Chain Locker?
We have not received much in the way of blogs due to the heavy weather over the past 24 hours. It’s not that easy to type out there as you will see below. What we do have is the noon Skipper’s Log. The good news is they have only 100nm to go. The crew should arrive… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Days 9-11: Approach and Arrival in the Azores!
Challenger 4 is safely tied up alongside the wall at Horta at 0730 UT, 0630 local time, just under 13 days of rather wonderful sailing since we left Barbuda. 2425nm run since leaving Antigua. Bacon, egg & Clive’s freshly made sourdough await for breakfast. Catch up on the weekend action below: … Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 8: ‘To Avoid Doom, Steer Away From the Boom’
Thursday 17 January 2019 As the weather builds for the first time on this crossing, the crew have to work together to keep Challenger 4 on course and each other well fed. The next 2 days of weather will be challenging for them, but there are signs that they are up to the… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 7: How to rehabilitate your loved one upon their return
Look out for Clive’s apology below as he tries to dig himself out of a 5 mile deep hole. Not sure if Penny will let his mistake go as easily as he let the wedding photograph go. The crew of Challenger 4 are past half-way and already thinking about how they will readjust back… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 6: ‘Absolutely Perfect’ Sailing
Tuesday 15th January 2019 The Sailing Blog What a day to be on the water! The 4am till 7am watch this morning was sublime, not a cloud in the sky, full view of the myriad stars and planets that cover the firmaments and a count of at least 20 prominent shooting stars. Then… Read more
Antigua to Portsmouth Day 5: Dolphin Whisperers in the Galley
In today’s blog, singing in the galley leads to a dolphin sighting. Were they called to the boat? Monday 14 January 2019 We awoke to calm conditions after a slightly bumpier, wet and much colder night than we’ve been used to so far. This morning the wind had turned and we have had smoother… Read more
ARC 2018 Carribean Cruise
Ja mon! Well, the ARC is over and you’re probably wondering what the crew have been up to for the past week. As they made great time, the crew of Challenger 4 have been able to spend an extra few days exploring some of the sights and sounds, and certainly rum, of the Carribean… Read more
Land Ahoy!! The Finish Line Is In Site!
It’s all over, congratulations Challenger 4! They’ve run a good race, managing to beat Challenger 3. Rum punch and firm land await them. They’ve earned it! Monday 10 December Festivities Await After a night of squally clouds, heavy downpours and shifty winds we have made great speed and course towards Rodney Bay, St… Read more
The Perfect Honeymoon
Saturday 8th December We are still racing to the finish. 389 NM to go and we are neck and neck with Challenger 3. We continue to have interesting squalls rushing at us from behind: the latest measured 36 knots of true wind. Oh, how superb it is to be in this 72’ steel yacht,… Read more
