Z07-25: Sail training on tidal waters to the Channel Islands

This tidal sailing training focuses particularly on tidal calculations, as this is the ideal sailing area to do so. First, we cross the English Channel with the current a-beam, so the question is what course we have to set, as the current direction changes as well. Once we arrive on the Channel Islands, it becomes all the more fun to sail with current behind us, but as many harbours have a sill so that the harbour does not dry out, we will also have to calculate what time we can leave the harbour, and reenter the next one. Nice puzzles, with the French little port of Carteret being the highlight.

Besides routing, we will also cover meteo (drawing in our own weather map) to plan our crossing, and we will cross the shipping lane in the evening, so light recognition and collision avoidance with AIS and possibly radar are also on the programme.

On this sailing voyage From Torqauy, we sail south along the coast of Devon to Darthmouth. A beautiful picturesque estuary. We will then cross over to the Channel Islands, a distance of 66 miles, which means we will arrive in the night, most probably on the island of Alderney.

The next destination depends on the wind and tide, but it will probably be St Peter port on the island of Geurnsey. Here we will spend a day for a nice walk and, for the enthusiast, a dip in a natural pool by the sea and/or to explore the pretty town.

We also try to visit the small but beautiful island of Sark. Here we will anchor and use the dinghy to land for a very scenic walk.

The tidal difference between low and high water is enormous in this sailing area. Which is one of the charms, strong tidal currents and a great tidal differences of up to 12 metres at spring tide. “Not for the faint hearted”. Because of the huge tides, the landscape changes continuously, a beautiful sight with the numerous extraordinary rock formations. The tide also determines our harbours, Carteret in Normandy is a nice option, but the entrance dries out completely at low tide so we have to calculate this carefully.

A very special sailing area with the typical cosy British atmosphere and also gorgeous nature. The tide is the clock here and we will have to sail with current and also calculate when we can enter and leave the harbours. After or before sailing, there will also be time to stroll along the coast or in the cosy little harbours. This sailing holiday is a nice mix between French and British culture, with tasty croissants at breakfast and cosy pubs in the evening. Plus, relaxed sailing along beautiful scenery with spectacular tides and also time for sightseeing.

We end up in St. Helier on Jersey, where we have dinner at a delicious Pizzeria (the best in the world)!

The daily sailing distances are between 7 and 66 miles.
The above schedule is subject to weather, wind and tide.

Read more about sailing holidays in Brittanny (France).
Read more about sailing holidays around the Channel Islands

Information about this sailing holiday

Participants of this sailing holiday

Sailing holiday Prices 

The price is the rental cost for the ship with crew, including food and drinks on board, hence full board. The price mentioned is per person.

Included in the price:

– Food and drinks on board.
– Fuel, water, shore power, harbour fees and tourist tax.
– 1 towel set and bedding incl. duvet and, of course, a life jacket.
– For after sailing there is also wine and beer on board, based on average use. Should we run out, then you can purchase more yourself.

Not included:

– Your transfer, meaning your journey to and from the ship
– Sailing clothes and boots, you can rent these from us if you would like.
– Possible shore excursions such as renting a van, or visiting a museum etc.
– Food and drinks ashore, the last evening we will go out for dinner and this will be at your own expense. ( Should you wish to treat the crew as a thank you for a lovely sailing holiday, it would of course be greatly appreciated!)

On some of our sailing holidays, it is possible to book an extra overnight stay on board based on Bed & Breakfast (B&B, so without dinner) for €75 per person. This automatically applies when booking multiple trips in a row.

Sailing holidays discount

Customer Discount:
If you book a second sailing holiday with us within a year, you’ll get 2.5% off the ‘board price’.

Group discount:
If you book a sailing holiday as a group (more than 3 passengers), you will receive 2.5% discount per person on the ‘board price’.

Youth Discount:
If you are under 29 years old, you will get 5% discount on the ‘board price’.

Discounts can not be combined with each other.

Sailing holiday with your own private cabin

If you are a solo traveller and wish to enjoy the comfort of a private cabin (small room), then you can reserve it for 1.6 times the price (for crossings, category A, the rate is 1.9x).

Sailing holiday categories

Category A:
Offshore crossings, includes also sailing throughout the nights. Passengers will also be grouped in the watch system.

Category B:
Offshore sailing holidays, there will be no sailing throughout the nights, but occasionally a late arrival at the harbour (or an early departure), depending on the weather.

Category C:
Relaxed sailing holidays with shorter sailing distances, including more time for sightseeing and sometimes a nice land excursion.

Category D:
Sailing holiday specials, from ‘Sailing holidays with Yoga’ up to expedition sailing. Not every season available.

Category E:
Sailing holiday’s with extra sailtraining.

Category F:
Sailing holidays with also small children on board.