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...

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...

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...

  Updates from Challenger 4 We’ve had are first updates from the team of Challenger 4. The team are pounding round the course, obviously focusing on their boatspeed, rather than blog/updates. It’s paying off though and they are in a commanding position ahead of the...

    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...

    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...

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...

    If you already have some experience of sailing under your belt and you’re ready to take things to the next level, the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course should be your next move. On the Day Skipper Course you will go from crewing to skippering so you can eventually...

    First Class Sailing tutors will often sail on the Beaulieu River, and you could too when you sign up to one of our RYA sailing courses. But did you know about the river’s wartime history?   The Beaulieu River is not just known for its natural beauty and fantastic...