Cross-Channel Cruiser Rally to Cherbourg : 4 -8 June 2026
Our annual Cross-Channel Rally in June is now booked for the first weekend in June.
Here is some advance information about our Rally and we non-cruising members are very welcome to join in the weekend by Ferry, or possibly to join one of our yachts as crew.
As soon as I receive the final costs from the French, I will send out a booking form. I expect the total cost to be in the region of £67, including coach hire, champagne reception and BBQ at Cave L'Enchanterie and our sparkling wine pontoon party on Saturday. This will depend on the prevailing exchange rate also.
More info from previous years may be found below.
If you are definitely interested, please let me know with boat name, LOA and number on board, or if wanting to come as crew or by ferry.
General : 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. 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. Some of us may plan to visit the Channel Islands or St Vaast, before or after the rally to make the cross-channel passage more worthwhile.
There are three main ways to join our rally weekend:-
> Sail your boat across·
> Join one of the boats as crew·
> Travel by ferry and stay in a nearby hotel
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. If preferred, you can also attend this event by ferry and stay at the Chantereyne Hotel, adjacent to the Marina, and 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.
> Friday 5th June:- 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 6th June:- 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 sparkling wine pontoon party, BYO nibbles.
At 19.00 on Saturday evening, we will have the option to dine together. The venue is yet to be determined.
> Sunday 7th June - Philippe and Cecile Dubegny and their team will welcome us to Cave L'Enchanterie. There, we will, enjoy a Champagne Reception , sample the local oysters (alternative starter available), 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.
Questions ? Please don't hesitate to contact me.
Looking forward to seeing you in Cherbourg!
Geoff
All correspondence to: Geoff.whalley@gmail.com