First Class Sailing has released its 2026 Adventures programme, which will see crews with various levels of experiences tick off bucket list sailing opportunities aboard a tried and tested Challenger 72 steel sloop provided by their partners at the Tall Ships Youth Trust.
Norway
Embarking on either of the two 11-day Norway sailing trips will be unforgettable. Each trip combines 5-6 days cruising around the spectacular fjords between Stavanger & Bergen with an extended passage (4-5 days) between Portsmouth and Norway at the beginning or end of the trip. There is so much to see on this trip, from the city of 7 peaks, otherwise known as Bergen, to the caves at Radiohalo, to name just two.
Atlantic Circuit
High on many a sailor’s wish list is to complete all or part of an Atlantic circuit. First Class Sailing offers this opportunity in 4 distinct stages. Firstly, a 16-day passage from Portsmouth to Gran Canaria is on the cards which offers the chance to conquer the mighty Bay of Biscay for the more adventurous. This trip may also stop in via Portugal or Spain on route!
Next up is the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, a prestigious event in all yachting calendars. Gran Canaria will see a plethora of yachts of all different shapes and sizes bringing together like minded individuals who want to conquer the Atlantic but in a fun and organised way. While a race the comradery, both aboard the Challenger Yacht and amongst fellow competitors, make for an unforgettable adventure. There is then the opportunity to extend for some additional Caribbean cruising and exploration.
Finally the mighty north Atlantic, crossed West to East, is a challenge for all sailors and offers one of the fullest ocean crossing experiences out there. For the keen sailor it is a must because all different types of weather will be experienced as crew cross from the warm trades of the Caribbean to the more variable weather of the northern Atlantic on approach to Europe. Departing Antigua and bound for Portsmouth there will be a likely stop in the Azores on this whopper of an adventure.
Caribbean Sailing
For those who are looking for sun, sand and sailing then look no further because their Caribbean cruises have this in abundance. Whether tagging this onto the end of the ARC, prior to the Weat-East crossing, or simply looking to sail in an area of the world renown for its beauty these trips constitute the best there is to experience for the cruising sailor. The trips are still hands on and crew will enjoy plenty of time handling the yacht however there will be more than enough time to explore island life and sip a cocktail or two on the beach.
Available Adventures:
- Norway Sailing Adventure 1: Portsmouth to Bergan: 23 May – 2 June 2026
- Norway Sailing Adventure 2: Bergan to Portsmouth: 4 – 14 June 2026
- Biscay Challenge: Portsmouth to Gran Canaria: 31 Oct – 15 Nov 2026
- Atlantic Rally for Cruisers: Gran Canaria to St Lucia: 19 Nov – 13 Dec 2026
- Caribbean Cruise (7 day): St Lucia to Grenada: 16 – 22 December 2026
- Caribbean Cruise (10 Day): Grenada to Antigua: 3 – 12 Jan 2027
- West to East Transatlantic: Antigua to Portsmouth via the Azores: 16 Jan – 19 Feb 2027
Jake Carter, Vice Principal at First Class Sailing, said: “We are very excited to make a return to offering bucket list sailing trips which enhance our local offerings at our Southampton base. Having sailed all of these routes previously, apart from Norway, I can personal vouch for the calibre of the sailing to be expected from these trips! This is probably our largest programme of adventures to date and we cannot wait to see around 80 sailors fulfil their ambitions and experience these incredible sailing routes and destinations”
For more information and registration details, visit www.firstclasssailing.com or contact info@firstclasssailing.com
