Sailing News

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

  On their voyage to Portsmouth Harbour from Antigua the crew will learn many new tasks during their Atlantic Adventure along with some amazing sights. This is their first blog at sea… Crew Blog dated Thursday 10th January 2019. Two full days out and the crew is happily settling into its three watch pattern with a… Read more

  After a bout of poorly stomachs, with several crew incapacitated before our yacht had even left Antigua’s Jolly Harbour, Challenger 4 is finally on its way! Here is their first midday report. Good morning all All is well after a fairly windy night on Challenger 4 which saw up to 30kts of NE breeze,… Read more

  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

  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

  After a squall blows through, Skipper Ricky and Mate Kirstie have their work cut out for them trying to keep Challenger 4 going in a straight line as the squalls blow through and try to take her offline. The crew have to pull together and it’s all hands on deck helping out. Tiring work,… Read more

  Mate Kirstie’s Log   Once More Unto The Breach Yesterday we had a 20ft-ish whale play alongside us for an hour, broaching several times – once right in front of the boat, as it continuously circled us and surfed waves.  The whole crew watched and many videos (mainly of blue sea!) were captured.  … Read more

  2nd Night Watch Interlude   A good night for shooting stars around Gemini, and whilst no means a meteor shower, included a fizzing ember that lingered for 2 or 3 heartbeats as it streaked the 20 or so degrees from Canis Minor over to Sirius, the Dog Star in the larger sibling. Jim.    … Read more

  Monday 3 December   Today’s main event was the “half-way party” which was the strangest and most wonderful mid-ocean celebration most of us had ever attended. We are celebrating being slightly more than 1,550 nautical miles into this race, with a “short” 1310 Nm left to run. THAT, ladies and gentlemen of the internet,… Read more