Join us for a relaxed Cross Channel cruise-in-company and exploration of Cherbourg and the beautiful Cotentin Peninsula
Overview: The May Spring Bank Holiday is the perfect opportunity to get across the Channel, gorge on seafood and local Norman cuisine, and stock up on wine and cheese supplies for the rest of the season.
Crossing from home ports on either the Friday or Saturday, we’ll aim for all boats to rendezvous and check in to France at Port Chantereyne by late afternoon or early evening on Saturday. Cherbourg is a large, well-protected port, accessible in almost all conditions and states of tide, and an ideal first hop across the Channel.
Once settled in, crews may wish to stretch their legs and enjoy welcome drinks at Le Freedom, a short walk into town.
Sunday is all about relaxing: pottering on boats, sunbathing (weather permitting!), or exploring the town and surrounding countryside. If conditions allow, a group hike in the Cotentin Peninsula is a great way to explore further afield and enjoy a leisurely lunch. If the weather turns, a visit to Cité de la Mer — with its aquarium, maritime exhibits and nuclear submarine — is an excellent alternative.
On Sunday evening, we’ll regroup for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.
Monday sees boats making the return passage to home ports.
Your organiser for this event is George Bliss who can be contacted to discuss any questions you have about the event (See membership list for his contact details). He will also host an online briefing on Sunday 17th Mat at 19.30BST
Proposed Itinerary:
Friday 22 May — Optional extra day
- Option to cross a day early
- George Blissand Crew (S/Y Hoya) may make a night passage on Friday evening, arriving early Saturday morning
Saturday 23 May — Channel Crossing
- 05:04 BST — HW Portsmouth
- 16:00–18:00 BST (17:00–19:00 local) — Arrivals at Port Chantereyne and clear in to France.
- 19:00 BST onwards (20:00 local) — Drinks at Le Freedom, 9 Rue Charles Blondeau
Sunday 24 May — Explore, Shop, Eat & Drink
- Relax on board / sunbathe / explore the town
- Optional hike — the La Glacerie loop offers gentle terrain, coastal scenery and a rewarding countryside lunch stop
- Visit Cité de la Mer (aquarium & maritime museum)
- Stock up on provisions and cheap plonk at the large Carrefour Cherbourg, close to the marina
- Visit Cave Normandie Wine, who will deliver your haul directly to your cockpit (for free!)
- Passport control (PAF) hopefully to be arranged on Sunday evening to allow for an early departure on Monday, if desired.
- 18:00 BST (19:00 local) — Group dinner at L’Equipage, conveniently located in the harbour.
Monday 25 May — Bank Holiday
- Return crossings to home ports
PLEASE NOTE- .
The crossing dates, timings and activities are intentionally flexible. We’ll work to the outline above unless weather or conditions dictate a change.
There are formalities and declarations required when entering and leaving France and the UK. In practice, these are generally straightforward, and guidance on current requirements, necessary forms and procedure will be shared with skippers ahead of time and covered in the Voyage Briefing.
The French border authorities (PAF) will be advised of our itinerary in advance and usually prefer to handle passport control (to clear in and out of France) at a pre-arranged time. Timings to likely be communicated on Friday and take place in the marina office.
Cherbourg is ideally placed for boats from the Solent and surrounding areas — typically a 12–13 hour passage, approx. 75NM from Portsmouth and 60NM from the Needles.
Participation is entirely flexible: boats are welcome to arrive early, depart late, or join for part of the rally only. A small deposit will be required to secure marina berths at Port Chantereyne; this may be non-refundable if plans change, so please keep us informed.
An optional Voyage Briefing on Zoom will be held on Sunday 17 May at 19:00 BST.
