Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
Join First Class Sailing in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 2026 — a world-famous transatlantic adventure from Gran Canaria to St Lucia. Sail aboard a Challenger 72 yacht and make 2026 the year you cross the Atlantic.
What to Expect on an RYA Competent Crew Course | First Class Sailing
What to Expect on an RYA Competent Crew Course: A Day-by-Day Guide Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to live aboard a yacht while learning to sail? Whether you’re completely new to sailing or just looking to build confidence on the water, the RYA Competent Crew course is your gateway to the world… Read more
Competent Crew Syllabus (Explained)
Our 5-day Competent Crew Course syllabus is designed to equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to be an effective crew member. This includes personal safety (yours, and others), navigation, and helmsmanship. You can sign-up to the practical course and take part either by yourself, or with family, friends, or a… Read more
FAQs about Sailing Courses
This blog answers some of the FAQS about Sailing Courses that you might have….. but might be too embarrassed to ask. Like.. How do I go to the toilet on board a yacht? What are the cabins like? Will I have to share a cabin? If you are new to sailing or considering taking a… Read more
Downwind to the finish in the Rolex Fastnet Race 2025
Rounding the Fastnet Rock Espresso Martini Too and Challenger 4 rounded the Fastnet Rock in the early hours of Tuesday morning with under an hour between them. Espresso rounded at 02:47 on Tuesday 29 July with Challenger 4 hot on their heels at 03:31. They sat in positions 46th and 53rd in class respectively.… Read more
Challenger 4 Fastnet Update
Two days in and we have some updates from Challenger4 in the 2025 RORC Fastnet Race
First Class Start to the Fastnet Race 2025
Read up on how First Class Sailing’s corinthian crews are getting on in the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race
Dreaming of Chartering a Boat & Sailing to France for the Weekend?
Are you ready to upgrade your sailing skills? If you’re already a Day Skipper (or similar) and are looking to improve then the Coastal Skipper course is an ideal step towards your dreams of becoming a confident Yachtmaster. This summer we are running a number of Coastal Skipper courses and you could… Read more
VHF Radio Course: Sign Up & What to Expect
Sailors need to know how to use a VHF radio. Not only is it essential for safety, it’s also the law – if your yacht is fitted with a VHF radio, someone on board needs to hold a licence. That’s where the RYA VHF Radio Course comes in. Whether you’re skippering your own… Read more
To The Channel Islands and back on a Challenger 72 yacht
The following is a short account from the skipper of the Challenger Yacht we sailed to the Channel Islands and back in June. Ship’s Captain’s Log of the good ship Challenger 4 on a 5 day trip from Portsmouth to the Channel Islands in June. 3 June 2025 Deck all prepped. Just some pasties and… Read more
