Wishing you all a belated Happy New Sailing Year 2026.

Some of you will recall last August 2025, on the Emsworth Rally, that I mentioned running a short Rally to Northern France and the Cotentin Peninsular. At this point, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jonathon Houston, our Sailing Secretary for his thoughts and input. We have had some good communications before Christmas.

We considered both east and west of Cherbourg. Unfortunately, the west coast does lend itself well to a short rally of just a few days. Also tide wise going north to south down this coast is not easy. Far better is the east side which also is more sheltered.

Therefore, the Rally will be to St Vaast-La-Hougue via Yarmouth IOW, Cherbourg and including possibly Barfleur too.

Sailing to France over the years, I have learnt that it is best to try and avoid the high season when things are very busy, especially at St Vaast La Hougue. Generally things are much quieter in the Spring. Additionally, (and fingers crossed for 2026!) for the last few years we have seen warm sunny weather in late May. So this seems like the best time to plan to make a Channel Crossing, and it also does not clash with any other PSSA events.

Below is a broad summary of my thinking. I have deliberately chosen a Rally which is not overly ambitious, and this week also includes a Spring Bank Holiday on the 25th May for those who work.

Please could you let me know either though here on the PSSA Forum or via text if you might be interested in joining me?

Rally Summary:

Dates: 23rd May 2026 to 27th May 2026. (Added 28th May to allow for weather).

Saturday 23rd May - Meet in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

Sunday 24th May. – Yarmouth to Cherbourg.

Depart Yarmouth 06.00 BST on the ebb tide (HW Yarmouth HW 04.37) towards Cherbourg.

Sailing Notes:

a) Starting at 6am, we can expect 15.5 hours of daylight, and which makes crossing the shipping lanes in light easier. Shipping lanes are likely to be reduced in traffic on a Sunday.

b) Tides are in Neaps which should give an easier exit through the Needles Passage. Neap tides should also offer reduced cross Channel currents for an easier course to steer and an easier entrance into Cherbourg. At mid tide there are usually strong cross tides at the Cherbourg Harbour entrance.

c) Crossing will be at an individual boats best speed. We will not cross as a group or in convoy. If we all leave Yarmouth together at the same time, we will be in mobile phone contact for at least the first 10nm, thereafter on VHF (Channel TBA) up to 20nm range and then will pickup mobile phone signal again on the French side. In lighter airs, if your boat speed drops below 3 or 4kts – it’s engine on time!

d) Approximate distance to Cherbourg 65nm. Approximate passage time 12/13 hours @ 5kts. Estimated ETA Cherbourg 19.00 CET. Proceed to Port Chantereyne Marina. Keep clear of Military Area.

e) Why Cherbourg? – Good access in all weathers and all tide. Primary Port of Entrance into France and EU Schengen. Think Formal Check-In is in the Harbour Office (will confirm). Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg for those who do not wish to sail the Channel Crossing but can meet their boat in Cherbourg. Pubs, Restaurants, Supermarkets, Busses and Trains.

f) Officialdom. Advise will be given regarding UK Exit and Entry Form C1331 and EU/France requirements. (TBC). I am sure the Cruising Association will not mind me borrowing some of their knowledge!

Monday 25th May – Cherbourg to Barfleur (TBC at Cherbourg)

Depart Cherbourg at 14.00 CET to arrive at Barfleur Harbour Entrance at HW 17.52 CET on the eastbound flood tide.

a) Approximate distance from Cherbourg to Barfleur is 20nm.

b) Barfleur – Harbour dries at Low Water. Expect to raft on Town Quay. Quiet little town and fisherman’s harbour. not at lot there except a few pubs. Very welcoming. Harbourmaster can arrange quayside rafting (TBC) and few British boats ever go in there.

c) Strong cross tides. Entrance to harbour not advised in North, Northeasterly or East winds as the harbour can be lumpy during these times. (Why final decision to go will be taken when we are in Cherbourg).

Tuesday 26th May – Barfleur to St Vaast-La-Hougue

a) Approximate distance from Barfleur to St Vaast La Hougue is 8nm.

b) St Vaast La Hougue HW is 07.32 CET and 20.16 CET. Entrance through a lock gate HW - 2.25 to HW+3.

c) Recommend departing Barfleur as soon at it is safe to leave around 17.00 CET for arrival at St Vaast La Hougue before 19.00pm. Flood Tide current is helpful, quick passage!

d) Approach to St Vasst La Hougue is south of Ile de Taihou.

e) St Vaast La Hougue – Lots to see! Numerous restaurants / Pubs. Mariner’s Chapel, Maritime Museum and most famously L’Epicerie Gosselin EST 1889 shop which is full of everything from chutney to marmalade, jams to wine! Lots of walks and a good beach. Don’t forget your Boules! Market day Saturdays.

Wednesday 27th May – Group activities in St Vaast La Hougue.

Planning on a fun relaxing day, including Boules and a few beers!

Thursday 28th May - What’s Next?

Boats have three choices:

a) Sail back to the Solent, or start rally Part 2?!

b) Sail South East

c) Sail South West.

Going South East?

There is so much to visit and see along the Baie de la Seine coast (D Day beaches etc) that I feel that once reaching St Vaast that boats might like to individually decide where they want to go next? Easy bus ride (or cycle) is to Saint Mere Eglise where the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division landed on 6th June 1944. Other places to sail to include Grandcamp-Maisy (even Carentan), Ouistreham (Caen and Pegasus Bridge), Deauville, Honfleur and with Le Harve at the far end. These are all great places to visit.

Going South West?

As for me, I am planning to depart west towards Brittany via Guernsey. Anyone who wishes to accompany me is also welcome.

Any thoughts regarding this French Rally idea are welcome!

Best Regards,

Stuart – Pegasus 325/37