Channel Hop to France or the Channel Islands
Starting from: £549
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Build miles with a sail across the Channel and back in a weekend. These weekend Channel Hops offer a great opportunity to build miles (circa 120) whilst getting the experience of sailing across the Channel and all that a passage of such nature entails including night sailing.
- Experience crossing the Channel and the busy shipping lanes
- Gain miles and maybe have a go skippering a 60nm passage
- Great chance to passage plan and night sail
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Instructor gave us space
I recently did the channel hop weekend and it was simply perfect. We had good wind, good weather and most of all - Justin, a great instructor! He let us do almost all of the sailing and skippering but was always there when advise or support was needed. His calm and friendly attitude as well as his large knowledge made the journey comfortable even during 7F wind 😉. Furthermore, I was lucky to have such nice fellow crew mates, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
Finally, the entire organisation prior to the trip was well managed. Everything one needed to know and to bring was communicated well in advance and questions have been answered within no time. I will definitely be back for another trip soon and am already looking forward to it.
Gerd K
Verified Customer
You will get open sea experience along with experience of crossing the shipping lanes at night and by day.
There is the opportunity for 2 people – one on the outbound trip and one on the return – to have a go at skippering a passage over 60 nautical miles. This is needed if you intend to go for your Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence one day.
Another prerequisite to taking the Yachtmaster Offshore is to have 5 passages over 60nm. So even if you do not wish to have a go at skippering a passage across the Channel will still go towards the YMO requirements.
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
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More Info on the Channel Hop Weekend
Low crew to instructor ratios: Our low crew to instructor ratios mean that each crew member receives ample guidance and support during their sailing experience.
Al meals included on-board: Enjoy hassle-free trips with all meals provided on-board. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners. Crew can focus on the experience without worrying about extra expenses.
Wet weather gear included: Be prepared for any conditions with the use of our wet weather gear. Whether it’s rain or wind, stay comfortable and protected during your outdoor activities with quality gear provided at no additional cost.
Friendly experienced instructors: Learn from the best with our team of friendly and experienced instructors. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching, our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for crew of all skill levels.
Key Trip Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the Channel Hop to France or the Channel Islands:
Required Experience
- This suits anyone from recently qualified Competent Crews to those looking to get 60 mile passages as skipper for Yachtmaster level.
Mileage
- Around 120nm
Experienced Gained
Great for
- Building confidence with leaving the Solent
- Passage making
- Night sailing
- Crossing busy shipping lanes
- Option to skipper a 60nm passage
Building Confidence
- Open water experience
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make learning to be a competent yacht Skipper easy.
Select A Date
Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, look at our upcoming course dates and choose the one that best suits you.
Arrive on Friday evening
Cast off to gain miles and confidence.
Become A First Class Sailor
Return ready for you next sailing trip with that extra experience under your belt.
Channel Hop to France or the Channel Islands -
Complete Breakdown
Proposed Itinerary
Depart in the evening. Arrive Cherbourg or Alderney in the afternoon, precise destination to be governed by forecast, leave later that night/early next day for UK or other destination if doing the 3 day trip. Arrive back at Southampton in the late afternoon.
The crossing is obviously dependent on the weather and the final decision will be made by the instructor. Occasionally the forecast would prevent this trip. We will offer an alternative program should this happen with every effort to sail a decent length passage elsewhere.
If the conditions don’t allow us to leave the Solent we would look to ensure you get plenty of sailing in the testing conditions that prevent the passage but in safer more sheltered local waters. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a refund or transfer to a later date if the itinerary changes due to the weather conditions.
Sail to France and back on a Weekend Channel Hop
During your sailing trip you’ll sleep on board the yacht. There’s typically three double cabins and two single berths which provide accommodation for eight people. However, there’s only ever a maximum of 4 students on board, plus the instructor. You can book a whole boat with up to 5 students.
Sometimes two people have to share the saloon or a cabin. The saloon is a large airy space with the two single berths or a large double. The cabins can have a dividing cloth to separate the space in half. You would never have to share with someone of the opposite sex.
You can expect to get away by 5/5.30pm on the final day of your trip. If you are catching a train we recommend you do not book a ticket in advance as we can’t guarantee you will get away at 5pm on the dot. It could be earlier or a little later.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 561 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 323 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Lovely boats
Fantastic company. Great staff, lovely boats and location and really excellent customer service. Will definitely be booking with them again.
Stephen P
Verified Customer
Better than socks and undies
Just come back from a Channel Hop with First Class Sailing.
I was given this opportunity as a surprise birthday present and it did not disappoint! Excellent skipper/instructor - Alastair was very experienced and knowledgeable and shared this in a very self-effacing way. Clear and direct when necessary, I picked up some great tips and info. as well as a great experience.
Fortunate to have reasonable weather, especially for the night sailing, (although could have done with more stars - next time??) and to return up the Solent goose-winging in the sun is what it is all about. Tiring, but was with a very good group who I had never met, and fortunately I didn't have to go back to work on Monday!
Most enjoyable and loads more interesting and exciting than socks and undies!
Robin H, UK
Verified Customer
Seamless booking
I have used them on three separate occasions now: a channel hop, a coastal skipper practical and a boat handling weekend.
On each occasion the booking was seamless and proficient with good communication and there being no doubt about where to meet, when and what to bring. The two boats I have used have been very well maintained and are modern, well equipped and a joy to be aboard.
These though are the givens and should be offered by any decent school. What makes First Class Sailing stand out for me are the instructors. Everyone I have met (Ricky, Ken and James) have just been excellent. They are passionate about sailing, have levels of experience I can only dream of and posses the all important ability to actually instruct and pass on their knowledge.
Gary C, UK
Verified Customer
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use our guides to determine your level and find suitable courses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Need more info? Look no further.
Ready to go on a Channel Hop Weekend
Get some great experience on this Channel Hop trip
- Develop skills and confidence crossing shipping lanes
- Experience skippering a passage, and do some night
- Have a great time!
Challenging tides
First Class Sailing - First Class Experience. We had a really excellent skipper: Oli was highly knowledgeable and calm. Very comprehensive briefings and with a refreshing accommodation of the crew's feelings as well as technical and safety information. I wanted experience of UK coastal waters and challenging tides and currents and we certainly got exactly that. Highly recommended.
Ben T
Verified Customer
Ready to go on a Channel Hop Weekend
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