15th - 21st June 2008
Portsmouth - Cherbourg - St Peter Port (Guernsey) - Braye (Alderney)
The 2008 sail cruise is now fully booked.
We are operating a waiting list and if you would like to receive a booking form then please use our online enquiry form to email us or telephone 0845 3450370.
The aim of an RYA cruise in company is to help cruising sailors venture further afield and cross the channel with the knowledge that there are other boats following the same route and that there is a lead boat at the end of the VHF who can offer advice and assistance.
For each cruise that takes place the RYA Cruising Events Team plan the route, arrange the berthing in each of the destinations and organise social activities in a number of the ports of call. This takes the hassle away and allows the participants to simply enjoy the sailing.
The idea is not for a group of boats to travel from port to port “follow my leader” style. There will always be a range of different boats in the fleet, which sail at different speeds and have different levels of performance in different conditions, making this an unviable option. Each skipper remains solely responsible for their vessel and crew, leaving him or her free to to decide what speed to sail at and how close proximity he or she wishes to be in with the rest of the fleet. That skipper must ultimately make the decision of when to leave, what course to steer, when to make correction and the pilotage needed to enter the destination harbour. A general briefing including an overview of the passage and suggested departure and arrival times will be given to the skippers before each leg. Where possible individual consultation regarding any concerns the skippers may have will be arranged, including reviewing passage planning with them if required. The boats should try to remain within VHF range of the rest of the fleet, which may mean that smaller or slower yachts need to motor-sail on the longer legs.
There are a limited number of spaces available on the cruise. Applicants are generally considered on a first come first served basis, however priority may be given to people who have not taken part in an RYA Sail Cruise before or to those who will learn most from participating.
The RYA lead boat will be skippered by a commercial Yachtmaster instructor Instructor, who gives the skippers briefings, advises the participant skippers on their passage planning and assists where possible with any boat related difficulties. It is also home to the RYA Events Team who are responsible for the smooth running of the cruise, and liaison with the marinas, harbours, and social venues. The lead boat is often host to a Yachting Monthly Journalist.
An information pack containing the itinerary, details of the safety equipment you will be required to have to participate and an application form requesting details of the yacht, and the skipper and crew’s abilities will be sent to anyone who completes the sail cruise online enquiry form or you can request this using the "email the organiser" link providing the following information: Title, first name & surname, postal address, email address, RYA Membership Number if applicable and their boat type, length (in metres) and home mooring.
