Midsummer Cross Channel Cruise in Company Rally 2025
Midsummer Cross Channel Cruise in Company (c. Friday 20th - Sunday 29th June)
A cruise across the channel to enjoy the delights of France and the Channel Islands in company with other sailors is planned starting on Midsummer weekend.
You may have missed the planning meeting that was held on 30th May, but never fear. At that meeting we discussed timing and the way in which the cruise might be undertaken. There was a preference expressed by some that as far as the outgoing crossing at least, we should try to co-ordinate to cross in company, so that some support might be available should it be needed.
The departure must remain flexible, so that if necessary it can be delayed in the event that the weather is unsuitable. It will 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.
The briefing notes prepared for the meeting are now available - select this link or use the download link below to view them.
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. The idea is to have just three dates on which you can meet up with other HYC yachts taking part:
Sunday 22nd June Cherbourg Chantereyne Marina
Wednesday 25th Alderney Braye Harbour (moorings)
Friday 27th 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 these days, and when and by what route to return. If necessary, you can be back at your desk on Monday 30th! 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, and enjoy Bastille Day fireworks 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 21st is 0743 BST, so is neaps, and runs generally west for 6 hours, and an early morning start will see a sailing boat in Cherbourg by tea time. The next weekend will see some fast passages to St. Peter Port during the day, and a rapid exit home if you so choose to return that weekend.
If you would like to join the rally, please register your interest here.
Downloads
Crew-finder
Please log-in to see details of crew available (0) / boats needing crew (0) or to add your own details.
Last updated 6:42pm on 7 June 2025