Channel Islands Cruise: 25 May - 1 June
Published 15:19 on 22 Jun 2026
On the Monday following the Cross Channel Race, a fleet of 14 boats set sail from Cherbourg for the Channel Islands in light airs and glorious sunshine, conveniently timed to coincide with the start of a mini heatwave. After the exertions of the race, it seemed the weather gods had decided we deserved a reward.
With a huge spring tide giving us an express ride through the Alderney Race, we fairly shot south towards St Peter Port. By mid-afternoon, however, our progress was halted not by lack of wind but by lack of water, with the entire fleet lined up on the outer waiting pontoon awaiting sufficient tide to gain entry to Victoria Marina. It looked rather like a floating traffic jam, albeit a very civilised one.
Tuesday brought the traditional pontoon party, followed by dinner at Sorrento's, an Italian restaurant that came highly recommended and did not disappoint. The combination of excellent food, good company and no need to wash up afterwards proved a popular one.
We spent two days in Guernsey, giving everyone the opportunity to explore the island. Several crews also took ferries to Sark and Herm, enthusiastically collecting islands as though they were stamps in a passport. By Thursday it was time to head south for Jersey. Once again the winds were light, which for some of the less performance-oriented vessels translated into a great deal of motorsailing. At times, the diesel engines seemed to be getting more exercise than the sails.
As many of the fleet rounded Corbière Lighthouse during the afternoon, news arrived that one of our number had developed engine problems. Yalla contacted the Coastguard and subsequently accepted a tow from the passing yacht First Vagabond. After several heroic hours attempting to make progress against a distinctly uncooperative tide, the towing yacht wisely handed over duties to the RNLI. Our beleaguered Rear Commodore was eventually delivered safely into St Helier at 10pm, undoubtedly with a renewed appreciation for both lifeboat crews and functioning engines.
Once everyone was securely berthed in Jersey and the fault diagnosed, spare parts were ordered. This marked the beginning of a waiting game for Simon and Frances, as getting parts to an island is apparently only marginally easier than organising a lunar landing.
With two days scheduled in Jersey, normal service soon resumed. Friday evening saw another pontoon party, followed by a superb dinner at St Helier Yacht Club, whose hospitality and welcome were greatly appreciated by all.
The original plan had been to return to Guernsey on Sunday before heading for Portland on Monday and then making a leisurely progression back along the south coast to Chichester. Unfortunately, the weather forecast had other ideas, with 30-knot winds predicted for the following week. Faced with the prospect of an energetic return voyage, the fleet wisely dispersed. Most opted for Alderney before making a direct dash back to Chichester, arriving late on Monday ahead of the approaching weather front.
Meanwhile, Simon finally received and fitted the required parts before making what can only be described as a spirited high-speed crossing of the Channel in 30-knot winds on Wednesday. We are pleased to report that all boats are now safely home, with the exception of Rascallion and Galleons Lap, both of whom were last seen heading west. Whether they are merely taking the scenic route or have decided to establish permanent residency elsewhere remains unclear.
A huge thank you goes to the crews of Yalla, Cool Runnings, Raven, Blaze Away, Hermit 2, Ruby, Galleons Lap, Perfectly Fine, Crayzee Feeling, Tern IV, High Spirits and Windreaver for their company, enthusiasm and good humour throughout the trip. Special thanks also to our cruise deputies, John and Pat aboard Rascallion, for all their support.
For us—and indeed many of the fleet—this was a first visit to the Channel Islands. It proved to be a fantastic learning experience and, perhaps most surprisingly, demonstrated that the islands are not nearly as far away as many of us had imagined. We will certainly be back. Preferably with slightly more wind when sailing, slightly less wind when returning, and all engines fully operational.
Richard and Clare Serna - Haraka
