Cross-Channel Cruiser Rally to Cherbourg : 9 to 11 August

Cross-Channel Rally to Cherbourg

All members of ESSC and ESC are cordially invited to this enjoyable summer weekend in France. The rally is open to all from the two Emsworth sailing clubs and friends who have attended previous rallies. Each skipper is responsible for making passage plans to arrive and depart Cherbourg marina. Please let us know if you would like to sail in company or need extra crew. Overnight berthing will be reserved exclusively for us on J- pontoon close to the office and shower facilities.

If you are interested to join one of the yachts as crew, please let us know.

The weekend is open to all members. You can also attend this event by ferry and stay at the excellent Chantereyne Hotel, adjacent to the Marina, allowing you to join in all the rally social activities. The hotel has recently been refurbished, with free parking and Electric Vehicle charging and just a short walk to the centre of Cherbourg and local attractions. Early booking is advised and the hotel offers advance booking with refund if you cancel by a certain date.

What's On During the Rally Weekend

Friday 9th August : For those who have arrived at Cherbourg by Friday evening, there will be a good opportunity to socialise at a complementary Welcome Evening, courtesy Cherbourg Marina!

Saturday 10th August : The morning and afternoon are free for you to perhaps visit historic Cherbourg, The Old Town, The Market or "La Cite de la Mer" - an attractive visit for adults and children, with its art deco architecture, marine museum and the opportunity to visit the French Nuclear Submarine "Redoubtable".

Late afternoon, we will be holding a pre-dinner pontoon party, BYO sparkling wine, drinks, glasses and nibbles. At 19.30 on Saturday, we will have the option to dine together.

Last year we chose the Marina Restaurant, and this worked well. Other options will be researched well before the rally!

Sunday 11th August

We visit Cave L'Enchanterie for a traditional French BBQ and wine tasting. This is a highlight of the weekend. Our coach will depart at 10.45 am (French time) from Chantereyne Marina for a 30-minute drive to the village of Le Vast, situated on a small river with a picturesque waterfall amongst its Norman stone properties. Philippe and Cecile Dubegny and their team will welcome us to Cave L'Enchanterie. There, we will enjoy a Sparkling wine reception, sample the local oysters, and then enjoy a typical BBQ of grilled lamb, French style. Wine, dessert and coffee are included. There will be several different French wines, red, white and sparkling, served to accompany our meal. All of which are available to buy. There will be plenty of time to check out the wine selection available at a special discount to the rally group. The coach will depart around 17.00 local time for Cherbourg, with room in the luggage compartment for any wine purchases.

Rally Cost

We have negotiated some really good deals for the Rally! These includes the BBQ at Cave L'Enchanterie, with oysters, wine and coffee, also the hire of a coach to take us there and back.

The cost is estimated at approximately £59 / person. This may vary a bit, depending on the exchange rate on the day and the number using the coach. I will reimburse if the price falls and may ask for a small extra payment, if the exchange rate becomes unfavourable. Either way, this has been just a few euros in the past. Each boat will need to pay marina fees, but a 20% rally discount is offered. Those in MDL marinas should be able to use "Passport Escales" to secure two free nights.

How to Reserve a Place

The rally weekend is open to all members of ESSC or ESC. At this stage just make an expression of intent by email. Please let me have your boat details and likely number on board. Or, please sate your intention to come by ferry, with numbers. I will then keep you updated by email as plans develop.

Numbers are limited and bookings will be dealt with on a first come first served basis. Thank you to those friends in the ESSC Cruiser Group, who have already registered.

Questions ?

Please don't hesitate to contact me.

Looking forward to seeing you in Cherbourg!

Geoff Whalley (ESSC) email