Cherbourg, Normandy
23–25 July 2026
How we got here: First Channel Crossing: Cherbourg
Poole, Dorset → Cherbourg, Normandy
A day crossing, timed across a full 12-hour tide cycle that pushed us first west and then, as it turned, back east. Very little wind, so we motored most of the way with the sails up more for steadiness than for actual sailing. Crossed the main shipping lanes and passed a few big ships along the way, but otherwise a calm, enjoyable trip. Arrived into Cherbourg late in the day.
What we did here
Cherbourg’s breakwater is enormous — one of the largest artificial harbours anywhere — a legacy of its old role as a transatlantic liner port.
Cleared in, hoisted the French courtesy flag, and swapped the Solent chart folio for Brittany and Channel Islands charts. Stayed two nights on the visitor pontoon at Port Chantereyne before pushing on. From here it’s short island-hopping legs rather than open crossings for a while.