Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
The FCS crew on Challenger 2 can almost feel the dry land and taste wet beer that awaits in Horta or this leg from Antigua to Portsmouth Harbour. First update comes from the mate and that will be followed by the crew’s musing. Will tinned sweetcorn get a mention? Day 12 Blog: Atlantic Wind in… Read more
Crew Writes Donuts in Their Wake
The variety of weather conditions can be quite remarkable on this voyage from Antigua to Portsmouth. From high winds and 45 degree living to flat seas and a touch of the cold weather we’re experiencing in the upper reaches of the Northern Hemisphere…. Motoring On to Heavy Weather The wind has eased as predicted… Read more
Experiencing the Azores High is an Atlantic Adventure
Considering the dramatic actions being described below it is a triumph that this blog has been written at all. This blog perfectly why crossing the Atlantic is an adventure… Date :14 January 2018 Time : 12:00 GMT Position :35.24 N 51.03W Destination Horta Good Morning all Another good day on the good ship Challenger 2,… Read more
The Long and the Short of Starting an Atlantic Voyage
As she sails from Antigua to Portsmouth the latest report from Challenger 2 brought the usual daily update from the skipper Neil, plus a long and thoughtful piece from Alex who managed to find some time between watches to put his thoughts down about taking on a long voyage across the Atlantic. The Pot… 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Friday 1 December 2017 The lack of wind since leaving Mindelo has been replaced by north easterly force 4 everyone is happy, engine off and spinnaker is flying and white horses with the increasing breeze.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
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
Everyone Has Time For Dolphins, Especially Challenger 2’s Crew
Skipper Ricky reports on the slow journey to Cape Verde 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 repair was needed before carrying on. They are now out of the race and under diesel power… Read more
Challenger 2 pulls out of ARC Rally
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 repair was needed before carrying on. Although most things can be fixed at sea, the skipper and crew decided that safety came first and proper repairs were… Read more
