Sailfree
Well-Known Member
Its that time of year again and time to start the thread for the 2016 Scuttlebutt Cherbourg Cruise.
I cannot find earlier thread stating date but feel certain we agree to put w/e 10/11th Sept (Neap tide) in our diaries.
The Scuttlebutt Cherbourg trip has now been going for some 15yrs. I have asked Fergus to book Cherbourg YC for Saturday 10th Sept for the evening meal.
Often newbees and X channel virgins are tempted to join in the knowledge that there will be other boats in the vicinity for the channel crossing.
It has developed from a Saturday evening meal at the Cherbourg YC to now also include a Saturday morning wine tasting at Normandy Wines (with extra discount) and a Saturday afternoon boat/pontoon gathering for drinks and nibbles. I usually start the larder with a selection of wines/beers and nibbles which other boats usually kindly contribute. Last year the weather gods again smiled on us and we all enjoyed the sunny afternoon Pontoon gathering.
I supply labels to write your forum name so everyone can put a face to a formite and introduce themselves. Obviously the event depends on the weather but we have had amazing sunny weather for the majority of recent years (with the exception of 2013!!). and the Pontoon Gathering has been a great success for formites to meet and mix. I introduced the afternoon gathering to ensure the event was more inclusive and welcomed strangers as otherwise there was a risk of just a few gatherings on individual boats of people that only knew each other. We have great support from the Cherbourg Marina.
After the evening meal a few do collect on a few boats and drink well into and for some through the night!!
Most go on the Friday and return on the Sunday but a few do extended stays. Ther is a negotiated discounted for berthing at Cherbourg.
Many informally connect up with others on the Friday night and dine together at a restaurant.
In September I collate a spreadsheet and distribute it to participants, but only to their personal e mails. This includes such info as you are happy to give but usually includes VHF channel, mobile numbers , departure port and likely time so that participants, especially newbees, can contact others and sail in company. The spreadsheet also enables some last minute ship jumpers if anyone has problems with their own boat before departure.
We also run a thread for crew available and crew wanted as we try to fit in everyone who want to go - its also good if you want to do your 1st X channel with someone more experienced.
I have texted Fergus and request he book the YC. The majority prefer the cheaper €27 menu incl.wine! There are Vegi options please let me know if you’re a Veggi. We collect cash (€) for the meal as the YC require us to settle the total bill not 20 or so individual bills. Last few years there have been 40-50 attendees!
Final decision whether to sail if up to each skipper, no deposit so no loss if weather does turn bad.
If people are interested please add your names and possible total number to this thread.
Feel free to add you comments if I have missed anything or not properly described the flavour of the event. Your comments will also assist those that have never attended before to get a flavour of the event in addition to keeping this thread live.
I cannot find earlier thread stating date but feel certain we agree to put w/e 10/11th Sept (Neap tide) in our diaries.
The Scuttlebutt Cherbourg trip has now been going for some 15yrs. I have asked Fergus to book Cherbourg YC for Saturday 10th Sept for the evening meal.
Often newbees and X channel virgins are tempted to join in the knowledge that there will be other boats in the vicinity for the channel crossing.
It has developed from a Saturday evening meal at the Cherbourg YC to now also include a Saturday morning wine tasting at Normandy Wines (with extra discount) and a Saturday afternoon boat/pontoon gathering for drinks and nibbles. I usually start the larder with a selection of wines/beers and nibbles which other boats usually kindly contribute. Last year the weather gods again smiled on us and we all enjoyed the sunny afternoon Pontoon gathering.
I supply labels to write your forum name so everyone can put a face to a formite and introduce themselves. Obviously the event depends on the weather but we have had amazing sunny weather for the majority of recent years (with the exception of 2013!!). and the Pontoon Gathering has been a great success for formites to meet and mix. I introduced the afternoon gathering to ensure the event was more inclusive and welcomed strangers as otherwise there was a risk of just a few gatherings on individual boats of people that only knew each other. We have great support from the Cherbourg Marina.
After the evening meal a few do collect on a few boats and drink well into and for some through the night!!
Most go on the Friday and return on the Sunday but a few do extended stays. Ther is a negotiated discounted for berthing at Cherbourg.
Many informally connect up with others on the Friday night and dine together at a restaurant.
In September I collate a spreadsheet and distribute it to participants, but only to their personal e mails. This includes such info as you are happy to give but usually includes VHF channel, mobile numbers , departure port and likely time so that participants, especially newbees, can contact others and sail in company. The spreadsheet also enables some last minute ship jumpers if anyone has problems with their own boat before departure.
We also run a thread for crew available and crew wanted as we try to fit in everyone who want to go - its also good if you want to do your 1st X channel with someone more experienced.
I have texted Fergus and request he book the YC. The majority prefer the cheaper €27 menu incl.wine! There are Vegi options please let me know if you’re a Veggi. We collect cash (€) for the meal as the YC require us to settle the total bill not 20 or so individual bills. Last few years there have been 40-50 attendees!
Final decision whether to sail if up to each skipper, no deposit so no loss if weather does turn bad.
If people are interested please add your names and possible total number to this thread.
Feel free to add you comments if I have missed anything or not properly described the flavour of the event. Your comments will also assist those that have never attended before to get a flavour of the event in addition to keeping this thread live.
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