Bank Holiday Cross Channel to France, Channel Hop and distance yacht sailing cruises and holidays are a fantastic way to see a variety of destinations. Sail, cruise and explore by yacht, the delights of France, Normandy and the Channel Islands.
From: Mercury Yacht Harbour, Hamble SO31 4HQ. Travel by Train Info:
When: 3 Day ‘May Day’ Bank Holiday – Friday 1800 May 3rd – 1500 Monday May 6th 2024 – Full
Cost: Cross Channel Trip £519 Single in Shared Cabin / £949 (2 person price) in Double Cabin
Note from the Skipper:
Paul is down to skipper this trip. Join us on this great opportunity to get some miles in and the all important night hours. The normal format would be to start from Hamble at 1800 on the Friday with a safety and boat brief and repositioning the boat for an early getaway on the Saturday morning (think 0500hrs). Previously we have arrived in France in the evening on Saturday so it is a day sail on the way there and we run a watch system so people can rest / sleep on the off watches. We then have down time in France and a group meal out that evening returning the next day with a later start meaning you get some ‘night hours’ in. It is difficult to give an absolute arrival port as the wind and weather determines this.
We would generally leave France for the return on the Sunday at about 1100 hrs arriving back in UK at 0100 depending upon wind conditions. So you get about 4hr night sailing on the return. We then sail back to Hamble on the Monday and stop at anchor for a brunch. We leave the boat at 1500 hrs Monday back at Hamble. We have had many day skipper / aspiring coastal skippers and those requiring their qualifying 60Nm passages on this style of trip so hopefully you will enjoy the experience adding to your sea miles. If you have any specific questions please come back to us.
It makes a great yacht sailing trip and is often a ‘bucket list’ achievement for many. Crossing the English Channel by yacht on one of our ‘Channel Hops’ is an unforgettable experience. Obtain that all important mile-building for your RYA yachting logbook, build valuable day and night sailing experience, make foreign and new port landfalls… look out for dolphins, and of course… sample the rich delights of the local culture, cuisine and wine!
The ‘May Day’ Bank Holiday Cross Channel yacht sailing cruise starts from Mercury Yacht Harbour, Hamble SO31 4HQ either goes West out of the Solent past the Iconic Needles landmark off the Isle of Wight or past the Bembridge and the historic forts depending upon wind and tide.
Cross Channel ‘Hops’ & Distance Yacht Cruises.
Your itinerary will depend upon prevailing wind and weather conditions but for this 3 day cross channel hop expect to sail to Cherbourg or St Vaast and back with time to grab an evening meal in France and sample the local cuisine.
Cross Channel cruises & sailing trips mean passages of over 60Nm, watch systems and crossing the shipping lanes. St Vaast lock gate opening times here 2024 (in French time) and if you want to have a look at the lock entrance here is the webcam For more detailed info on where you might go and some useful tips – See a blog here…
Yachts Used: 37ft yachts (3 double cabin with additional saloon berths).
Passage Planning – Channel Island / France
On any of our cross channel yacht sailing trips starting from Hamble in the UK you will have the opportunity to take part in navigation and pilotage and thoroughly test your knowledge and sailing skills – as well as having fun! You can take responsibility as the Skipper for your log book miles, passage plan and run the boat with the reassurance that our professional Skipper is on hand at all times to oversee and aid when required. Everyone will take part in the watch system and running of the boat as active members of the crew. Check out some great places to eat ashore here…
And a bit about the various ports here…
Itinerary Please Note: On all these yacht sailing cruises and cross channel passages starting from Hamble or Gosport, Solent UK the routes and sailing areas have to be determined by the weather and crew capabilities – and safety is of primary concern. If conditions make a channel crossing impossible, or too arduous, then it may be more prudent to do a Jurassic Coast cruise or use more sheltered waters available when necessary. The decision for the cruising areas to be used is taken by the Skipper.
NB: You have to comply with any entry requirements for visa / Covid relevant to the countries visited. Please check for France, Channel Islands, Greece or Canary Islands plus return requirements into UK.
UK Cross Channel & Distance Yacht Cruise Price Includes the below:
- Professional Skipper
- Modern Coded Yacht
- Accommodation Aboard
- Food & Drink Aboard (excludes any evening meals taken ashore)
- Fuel
- Gas
- Safety Equipment
- Wet Weather Gear (Gill OS2 Jacket / Trousers adult sizes only)
Please Note – Mooring Fees that when we moor away from our home port the mooring fees are shared amongst the clients (budget on £18pp per night)
Want to Book Your Place?
Email us on: info@yachtforce.co.uk
Tel: 02380 016450
Other 2024 UK Cruise Dates:
May 4,5,6 (3 Day MayDay Bank Holiday) Cross Channel Trip £519 Single in Shared Cabin / £859pp Single Occupancy Cabin / £949 (2 person price) in Double Cabin – (Friday 1800 -1500 Monday) 3 Spaces
May 25 – 27 (3 Day Late May Bank Holiday) ‘Go West’ Trip £519 Single in Shared Cabin / £899pp Single Occupancy Cabin / £949 (2 person price) in Double Cabin – (Friday 1800 -1500 Monday) 3 Spaces
May 25 -27 (3 Day Late May Bank Holiday) Cross Channel Trip £519 Single in Shared Cabin / £899pp Single Occupancy Cabin / £949 (2 person price) in Double Cabin – (Friday 1800 -1500 Monday) 3 Spaces
August 24 – 26 ((3 Day Bank Holiday) Cross Channel Trip £579 Single in Saloon or Shared Cabin / £949pp Single Occupancy Cabin / £999 (2 person price) in Double Cabin – (Friday 1800 -1500 Monday) Spaces
August 24 – 26 (3 Day Bank Holiday) Go West £579 Single in Saloon or Shared Cabin / £949pp Single Occupancy Cabin / £999 (2 person price) in Double Cabin – (Friday 1800 -1500 Monday) Spaces
2024 Overseas Sailing Yacht Cruise Dates
May 11th -18th 2024 – Greek Islands (Saronic & Argolic Gulf Sailing) 2 Spaces (Click link for details)
Oct 12th -19th 2024 – Greek Islands (Saronic & Argolic Gulf Sailing) 7 Spaces (Click link for details)
Nov 25-2nd Dec 2024 Tenerife Holiday Cruise 7 Spaces
