Sailfree
Well-known member
Wanted to start this thread now as only a few weeks before I go off sailing for 6weeks.
The Scuttlebutt Cherbourg trip has now been going for some 13yrs. This year it is arranged for the W/E 13/14th September. Often newbees and X channel virgins are tempted in the knowledge that there will be other boats in the vicinity.
It has developed from a Saturday evening meal at the Cherbourg YC to also include a Saturday afternoon boat/pontoon gathering for drinks and nibbles, I usually start the larder with a selection of wines/beers and nibbles which others also contribute. We bring labels on which you write your forum name so you can put a face to a poster and introduce yourselves. Obviously the latter depends on the weather but we have had amazing sunny weather for the last few years and they have been a great success (with the exception of 2013!!). I introduced the afternoon gathering to ensure the event was more inclusive and welcomed strangers 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 and Magali Harmon has offered to arrange our afternoon gathering in the hall of the local sailing school if the weather is bad.
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. I have negotiated discounted 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.
Fergus has already booked the YC. The majority favoured the cheaper €27 menu, There are Vegi options please let me know if you’re a Veggi. Please remember to bring 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!
If you intend to stock up with cheap wine for the winter months Normandie wines has a good selection of mainly French wines and many country’s beers. We usually arrange a free wine tasting for the Saturday morning and Normandie wine offer a extra discount.
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 help keep this thread live.
The Scuttlebutt Cherbourg trip has now been going for some 13yrs. This year it is arranged for the W/E 13/14th September. Often newbees and X channel virgins are tempted in the knowledge that there will be other boats in the vicinity.
It has developed from a Saturday evening meal at the Cherbourg YC to also include a Saturday afternoon boat/pontoon gathering for drinks and nibbles, I usually start the larder with a selection of wines/beers and nibbles which others also contribute. We bring labels on which you write your forum name so you can put a face to a poster and introduce yourselves. Obviously the latter depends on the weather but we have had amazing sunny weather for the last few years and they have been a great success (with the exception of 2013!!). I introduced the afternoon gathering to ensure the event was more inclusive and welcomed strangers 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 and Magali Harmon has offered to arrange our afternoon gathering in the hall of the local sailing school if the weather is bad.
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. I have negotiated discounted 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.
Fergus has already booked the YC. The majority favoured the cheaper €27 menu, There are Vegi options please let me know if you’re a Veggi. Please remember to bring 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!
If you intend to stock up with cheap wine for the winter months Normandie wines has a good selection of mainly French wines and many country’s beers. We usually arrange a free wine tasting for the Saturday morning and Normandie wine offer a extra discount.
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 help keep this thread live.
Last edited:
Not suggesting you change the date though - I and my crew (and I'm sure many others, not to mention the Yacht Club) have it booked in now. Means a bit of a change from our usual habits though, which is why I'm pointing it out - other people may also need to revisit their tidal plans rather than just doing the same as last year.
