How long it takes to travel from one end of the English Channel to the other is one of the most important factors to take into account when sailing across it. You’ll be concerned that deteriorating weather won’t catch you offshore, after all. In the end, crossing the English Channel by boat can be a rewarding experience. How long does it take to cross the English Channel? It might take you a few hours to several weeks to finish it. Everything depends on your boat, its speed, and the wind.
The English Channel
The English Channel, a section of the Atlantic Ocean, separates England from France. The Channel is 350 miles long, 150 miles wide at its widest point, and 21 miles wide at the Dover Strait, where it is narrowest.
In order to minimize travel time across the English Channel, it is essential to choose the proper crossing location. Here are a few things to take into consideration when choosing the best crossing location in light of that.
Is It Hard To Cross The English Channel
If the English Channel is difficult to cross, you might be wondering. If you are an experienced sailor with a dependable sailboat, crossing the English Channel shouldn’t be too difficult. However, if this is your first time crossing the channel, you should exercise caution. Sailing next to a professional is the best course of action.
It is important to remember that the English Channel is a very busy marine area with many ships and ferries arriving and departing throughout the year.
It is important to keep in mind that the English Channel is a very active marine area with a lot of ships and ferries arriving and departing all year long. This implies that it is not recommended to use a small sailboat.
Use caution when approaching ferries and ships if you must use a small sailboat to navigate the waterway.
In light of this, choosing a secure crossing location is essential if you want to avoid cargo ships and ferries. Also, watch your speed and don’t try to outrun the ships.
Remember that they can reach top speeds of over 18 knots per mile. In light of this, the ideal time to cross is during the day. Avoid sailing at night because it can be challenging to see the harbor in the dark and secure your sailboat.
Safety should always be your top priority, so don’t ever undervalue the value of having safety equipment and maintaining your boat. Make sure you have courtesy flags, water, seasickness medications, life jackets, snacks, and binoculars. All of these are required for your security.
Remember that the English Channel is more dangerous than the tranquil Mediterranean. You should take extra precautions, especially when it comes to safety, because if you fall into the water, you are more likely to die from hypothermia than from drowning.
Where To Cross The English Channel
As we previously mentioned, it is essential that you cross the English Channel with an experienced sailor who is accustomed to doing so if this is your first time doing so. Whether you are sailing alone or with a group, there are many yacht clubs on both sides of the Channel that can help you locate an experienced sailor.
Which crossing point should you then use? Many sailors prefer to cross at the Needles or Poole to Cherbourg crossing point because it’s easier to stay there and is close to Brittany and Normandy in France.
It is a 60-mile journey that starts in Needle or Poole, England, and ends in Cherbourg, France. It is reasonable that if you take this course, the only large cargo ships and ferries you will encounter will be within a 15-mile radius. It’s very easy to navigate this tunnel, and you’ll cross at the precise angles.
You should also choose a fairly direct route because the English Channel can quickly become very turbulent, especially in unfavorable weather. When the weather is good, you can set sail for Cherbourg from Needles or Poole.
The cargo ferries and ships, however, require your attention. Even though you have the right of way when you come into contact with a ship sailing down the channel, you should always alter your speed or course to avoid any mishaps. Additionally, keep in mind that ships moving up the channel have the right of way and will anticipate you moving out of the way.
Any seasoned sailor will tell you that despite the appearance of stationary, these enormous ships cruise at speeds of 18 to 25 knots, which can be deafening. In order to continue your journey across the English Channel, you must be patient and make room. The fog may occasionally arrive after you have already set sail.
The best course of action in such circumstances is to turn around and escape the nightmare of poor visibility. Continued action may be absurd if you have any reservations because your life will be in danger.
As a result, you must keep yourself constantly alert, cruise at a reasonable speed of about 6 nautical miles, and act rationally and calmly in case a dangerous situation arises.
You should be aware that Cherbourg is a crowded ferry port even if you manage to cross safely. Either the main harbor, which is four miles wide, or Port Chantereyne’s old, roomy, protected marina are options for boat parking.
