Cross-Channel Cruiser Rally to Cherbourg : 11 to 13 August
| Cross-Channel Cruiser Rally to Cherbourg : 11 to 13 August | |
| Dear All, So far 17 yachts are interested! ESSC: Tiga, Avize, Buster, Andiamo, Bobo, Liberty, Procyon, Ghost Knot, Orion, Puffin, Trutz, Baldur, OtterII, Katja ESC: Bellatrix, Vertuosity Other : Omnishambles (Northney) Thank you to all those who have expressed interest so far and this has given confidence that there will be more than enough to make the rally viable! We have a lot more information (see below) and you are now invited to sign up for the rally. General Information You 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. This popular rally has been a great success in past years, with some yachts sailing in company across the channel and a very sociable weekend arranged in and around Cherbourg. 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. If you are interested to join one of the yachts as crew, please let us know. Overnight berthing will be reserved exclusively for us on J- pontoon, close to the office and shower facilities. If preferred, you can also attend this event by ferry and stay at the Chantereyne Hotel, adjacent to the Marina. The hotel has recently been refurbished and is quite popular, so early booking is advised. Friday 11 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 12 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 you will have the option to dine at "The Café De Paris". The food here is excellent ("The best restaurant in Cherbourg"). I had dinner there a few weeks ago and it was just superb. I do not have the menu and costs yet, but my bill for a three-course dinner was approximately 55 euros per person, including an aperitif and wine. Sunday 13 August We will visit Cave L'Enchanterie for a traditional French BBQ and wine tasting. This is a highlight of the weekend and the price for this is included in your rally fee because we share the cost of the coach and make a single payment to the Wine Cave. 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. I visited Cave L'Enchanterie a few weeks ago and they have really improved the garden and facilities. I brought back red and white wines, each costing less than 5 euros a bottle and both are recommended! There will be several different French wines, red, white and sparkling, served to accompany our meal. All of which are available to purchase. 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 The rally cost is 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. This includes the BBQ at Cave L'Enchanterie, with oysters, wine and coffee, also the hire of a coach to take us there and back. 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. Marina rates are attached. How to Book The booking form is available to download below. Please email it to me, with your boat details, number on board and a bank transfer to cover the advance payment for The Cave and the coach. Bookings will be on a first come first served basis, because we have a limit on the maximum number of places, so booking early is recommended. Once you have booked, I will keep you updated by email as plans develop and I will send out details of the Café de Paris Dinner option, as soon as they come back to me with menu and prices. Again, there will be a limit on the number of places, because we will be using their private dining room. Visiting France by Boat After Brexit This is very straightforward. You will need a valid passport for each person on board and these will be stamped at the marina Office on arrival and on departure. There is also some minor admin for boats on return to UK. I will send out more details to those joining the rally nearer the time. However, make sure your passports are up to date and that your "ships papers", flares and life raft service certificates are in date. Questions ? ....... Please don't hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to seeing you in August! Geoff 07711 772600 | |
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