X Channel Rally June 26
Published 10:13 on 15 Jul 2026
Leaving on 13 th June, the 2026 cross channel raly was aiming to visit Chantereyne Cherbourg, Bray on Alderney, St Peter Port Guernsey and Dartmouth. Vessels taking part were Kiwi, Wakatere and Forget Me Knot . Sailor's being John, Dave, Charles, Ken and Mary.
Another very enjoyable Cross Channel Rally with great sailors. So many tales that the gallery of photos can tell most of the story.
Highlights being the usual early start across to Cherbourg. The sea was churning and Mary and Charles offered up gifts to the Gods of the Sea. Later red wine and chips soothed in the Port Chantereyne Yacht Club.
We met up for dinner the next evening to compare the crossing .All was well after the rest.
16th June ,Kiwi and Forget Me Knot headed off to Bray on Alderney with Charles promising to catch up in Guernsey. Good crossing although a little choppy passing Cap de la Hague.Moored up very expertly to the mooring bouys in Bray , Mary utilised the Eezi Moor contraption with gusto .
John , who was delighted a pen had been supplied in the customs box , walked off with it !! It was returned later that evening.
A few beers were enjoyed in the Divers Arms. Mary was side lined by the handsome diver in the corner .Rumour being he has other female admirers from Haslar.
Restaurant chosen was The Georgian House up the hill in St Annes .We realized that the table for 5 was 4 , joking with the waitress, we left one behind ( Charles ).
The next day we unhooked and set off to St Peters Port . We all met up with Charles on the waiting pontoon. Two members from Haslar Marina helped us with our lines .They were press ganged into joining the club. Welcome Safari and Ivan and Rachel.
Mary sat in the sunshine with Victor Hugo, memorising about Les Miserables. He apparently lived in Guernsey between 1855 and 1870 and then in 1872/73.
A tasty meal was had at the Thomas de la Rue .
On Saturday 20th June, the highlight of the rally for Forget Me Knot was the night sail across to Dartmouth. This was a first for us. We left at approx 22.30 hrs following the lights of Kiwi and Wakatere. We kept eyes on them till day break. During the night nature treated us to Phosphorescent lights sparkling at her stern. The sea was like a mirror. Daylight came and a pod of dolphins came with us for at least 2 hours. This is the joy of sailing. All arrived safely at Darthaven Marina and our last few days together. Kiwi had a new crew member Glenn. He added a new personality to the group.
Some of the group enjoyed trips on the Paddle Steamer, up to the mouth of the River Dart and back via Dittisham, and from the station right next to Darthaven Marina, the Dartmouth Steam railway which runs to Paignton at the end of the line. For more details on the steam trips go to https://www.dartmouthrailriver...
Sitting on Forget Me Knot with a few beers , Dave made an attempt at Man Overboard , swiftly grabbed by the ankles by Charles and Mary . Nearly got your hair wet Dave !! Finally , the last few beers together and the last ferry across the river to Kings Wear, an X Channel Choir was formed. An off key rendition of " What shall we do with the drunken sailor " sung with gusto.
What indeed !!!
Mary Ryan
Last updated 11:22 on 15 July 2026