Midsummer Cross Channel Cruise in Company Rally 2025 Provisional
Midsummer Cross Channel Cruise in Company c 12th - 21st June 2026
A cruise across the channel to enjoy the delights of France and the Channel Islands in company with other sailors is planned for the middle of June.
Nearer the time (about mid-May) we will hold a planning meeting where we will discuss timing and the way in which the cruise might be undertaken including whether we should try to co-ordinate to cross in company, so that some support might be available should it be needed. Briefing notes will be prepared and discussed at the planning meeting.
The departure will remain flexible, so that if necessary it can be delayed in the event that the weather is unsuitable. It could, for instance, be an early morning departure, via Bembridge Ledge east about, so that boats should arrive in Cherbourg around mid afternoon. If departure is delayed, the meet up in Cherbourg will also be delayed.
We will establish a Whatsapp group to keep each other informed of our intentions, and monitor channel 77 while crossing. AIS is incredibly valuable, and while Class B enables you to broadcast your position, etc. - when assessing collision risk AIS receivers are very reassuring. You need to carry suitable charts, including the Admiralty tidal atlas for the Channel Islands and adjacent coasts of France.
While there are some challenges, the Channel Islands and adjacent coasts of France do provide some delightful cruising, generally less crowded, less costly, and more interesting than our home waters.
This rally provides a framework within which there will be a great deal of flexibility: partly to suit peoples varying time available and plans, partly to leave flexibility for weather adjustments. We will try to set just three dates on which you can meet up with other HYC yachts taking part:
TBA Cherbourg Chantereyne Marina
TBA Alderney Braye Harbour (moorings)
TBA Guernsey - St Peter Port (harbour pontoons/marina)
You can choose when you leave, and therefore to some extent your weather, and how you spend your time between the days, and when and by what route to return. If necessary, you can be back at your desk on Monday 22nd! In the past we have left Guernsey for Salcombe, almost guaranteeing a reaching sail to the west! You could for example sail to Cherbourg, east to St. Vaast, and return to Alderney for the Wednesday! The choice is yours. If you have longer, why not move on to St. Malo or explore the harbours of the North Brittany coast.
Our hope is that by holding this event, those who have not ventured over the channel before will do so, with the encouragement of those that have.
HW Dover on 12th is 0910 BST, 3 days after neaps, and runs generally west for 5 hours, and an early morning start should see a sailing boat in Cherbourg by tea time.
More information will be available nearer the time.
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Last updated 6:43pm on 3 December 2025