Duration: 7 days
Start from: Royal Clarence Marina, Gosport
Sailing area: English Channel, Channel Islands and Solent
Type of Yacht: New Dehler 39SQs
No. of Students: 5:1
2006 saw the start of the Channel Island Instructional Cruising around the beautiful islands off the coast of Brittany , France . These 7-day trips are designed for you to take the skills that you have learnt on your course and put them to use in a real environment. This also enables you to have a relaxing time while cruising around the islands with the added security of an instructor onboard.
The tides in the Channel Islands are famous for the range they can achieve in 6 hours and the strength that they run at. The tide off Alderney has been known to reach a speed of 10 knots on a good day and a height of 12 meters. This all makes for a great experience and fantastic sailing.
Typical Itinerary for a Channel Island Instructional Cruise
Please note that this itinerary is intended as a guide only
Day 1
You join your yacht in our base in Gosport. You will get to meet your crew mates for the trip. Put all your bags and victuals onboard and get settled in. Your instructor will then go through a comprehensive safety brief with you before putting the passage plan together for your trip. When the tides and winds are right, you set off Cross Channel. This trip, of approximately 60nm, takes you across the shipping lanes to Alderney for a well earned rest and a good night's sleep.
Day 2
After the long trip Cross Channel, take the day to cycle around the island and plan tomorrow's adventure.
Day 3
Will take you South to Guernsey and into the famous Victoria Marina. Here you can take in the lovely harbour or go for a walk across the island. In the evening there is plenty to do as St Peter Port is a busy little port with lots of bars and restaurants.
Day 4
After a leisurely start it's time to investigate Herm and Sark . These two islands have a lot of hidden secrets and are wonderful places to visit. The small harbours on these islands have limited access and are very weather dependant. After a lunch stop at anchor or on a mooring buoy you may have to return to St Peter Port or head on down to Jersey. If not it may be possible to stay and try a drink and something to eat in one of the pubs on Sark or Herm.
Day 5
A 30-mile sail to Jersey and the bright lights of St Helier . Here you will find a buzzing working harbour with lots of visitors and fisherman alike. The island itself is beautiful and worth investigating.
Day 6
An early start to catch the tide back up to Alderney or Cherbourg and prepare yourselves for the Channel crossing back to England.
Day 7
Sail back across the Channel and return to Gosport . This cruise will enable you to gain valuable mileage and instruction at the same time. Whether you want to go as an individual or as a family, we can offer Competent Crew or Day Skipper while on this Instructional Cruise!
Included: Tuition, food, accommodation, oilskins, fuel and mooring fees along with any relevant RYA Log Books and/or course notes.
