Heading to France.....info sources

[Sea-Fever]

Hello all,

I'm contemplating my first crossing to France from the UK.

Apart from the actual sailing, which hopefully shouldn't be too taxing (solent- cherbourg), there are plenty of other issues to consider such as Visa requirements, clearing in/out, insurance, documentation, required equipment, covid complications, red diesel rules etc...

I've consulted noonsite which I dont find that easy to navigate (excuse the pun). The RYA seem mostly concerned with UK sailing (understandably). The CA may be the place to go but I haven't forked out the 130 odd quid for membership yet.

Is there a single good resource for the first time cross channel sailor that I'm missing?

Specifically I was just trying to determine what rules, if any, exist re the ICC but I've not found any clarity on the current state of affairs.

 

[James_Calvert]

Specifically I was just trying to determine what rules, if any, exist re the ICC but I've not found any clarity on the current state of affairs.

Assuming you are crossing as skipper of your own boat, there is still no requirement by anyone for an ICC as far as I am aware.

 

[prv]

As for everything else, the simple fact is that, given the added complication of covid, not that many British yachtsmen have yet made a post-Brexit crossing to report on the reality on the ground.

Be sure to let us know how it goes ?

Pete

 

[Sea-Fever]

As for everything else, the simple fact is that, given the added complication of covid, not that many British yachtsmen have yet made a post-Brexit crossing to report on the reality on the ground.

Be sure to let us know how it goes ?

Pete

Nothing like a bit of ground truth.

 

[Sea-Fever]

Assuming you are crossing as skipper of your own boat, there is still no requirement by anyone for an ICC as far as I am aware.

Good info thanks.

 

[westernman]

Presumably you will need to fly a yellow Q flag until you have been checked in.
You will probably required to have a Covid vaccination certificate.

 

[LadyInBed]

Required:
Passport with expiry time greater than a year forward (I don't think it is 6 months)
SSR or Pt One registration
Boat Insurance that covers your cruising area
Ensign

Not Required:
Any form of qualifications
Medical Insurance, but you would be wise to have it.

Not Sure:
I would suggest you carry a Q flag in these strange times!

 

[ASW11]

This a pretty decent resource, certainly for travel requirements: Re-open EU (europa.eu)

 

[Sea-Fever]

This a pretty decent resource, certainly for travel requirements: Re-open EU (europa.eu)

Thanks

 

[Daydream believer]

Here are some links that may save you some time

2 pass port links-------- One of which clarifies comments in #7
departure return--------Unless you are staying for good????????
GHIC--------------------- But suggest still need insurance
French covid rules----- Need to check daily as things changing all the time

 

[Tomahawk]

A pratcical comment..
There is no TSS between Solent and Chrebourg but the shipping goes in a straight line between the western end of the Dover Straits TSS and the one to the west of Cherbourg. Effectively keeping all the traffic bunched together in lanes. Watch out for small white ships. they go like speedboats .

 

[st599]

Required:
Passport with expiry time greater than a year forward (I don't think it is 6 months)
SSR or Pt One registration
Boat Insurance that covers your cruising area
Ensign

Not Required:
Any form of qualifications
Medical Insurance, but you would be wise to have it.

Not Sure:
I would suggest you carry a Q flag in these strange times!

As a third party national, you also need proof of travel insurance/medical insurance and proof of funds for everyone on board. For France, that's 120 euros per person per day (it halves if you pre-book hotels)

 

[dolabriform]

As a third party national, you also need proof of travel insurance/medical insurance and proof of funds for everyone on board. For France, that's 120 euros per person per day (it halves if you pre-book hotels)

Are they checking this ?

 

[Bobc]

Are they checking this ?

Of course not. They're not checking anything else either.

Complete the customs form pre-departure and email it to them, then just turn up with your passports at the marina office and pay your mooring fees.

You will want to take proof of vaccination also though (otherwise you can't get into the bars and restaurants).

 

[doris]

Of course not. They're not checking anything else either.

Complete the customs form pre-departure and email it to them, then just turn up with your passports at the marina office and pay your mooring fees.

You will want to take proof of vaccination also though (otherwise you can't get into the bars and restaurants).

You will need a French Passe Sanitaire to get into any bar or restaurant. To get this download the #TousAntiCovid app on your phone. You should be able to move the NHS QR code over. maybe down load it as a PDF, send it to another phone (WhatsApp) then upload it. That's how I did a couple of weeks ago. The NHS QR is unreadable by the bars, restaurants, buses etc.
Last week I was checked every time and don't forget a decent supply of masks. The French, very sensibly wear them pretty much everywhere.

 

[Bobc]

You will need a French Passe Sanitaire to get into any bar or restaurant. To get this download the #TousAntiCovid app on your phone. You should be able to move the NHS QR code over. maybe down load it as a PDF, send it to another phone (WhatsApp) then upload it. That's how I did a couple of weeks ago. The NHS QR is unreadable by the bars, restaurants, buses etc.
Last week I was checked every time and don't forget a decent supply of masks. The French, very sensibly wear them pretty much everywhere.

You don't NEED it. You can show a paper copy of your NHS form, but I suspect having French app will be easier.

 

[doris]

You don't NEED it. You can show a paper copy of your NHS form, but I suspect having French app will be easier.

That might work in a very Anglo centric Cherbourg but it certainly was not the case elsewhere. I asked on Friday evening in Ouistreham and they deffo wanted a Passe Sanitaire to record my passing, no Passe no dinner.. Its more than just showing something, its about being able to track infection.

 

[Bobc]

That might work in a very Anglo centric Cherbourg but it certainly was not the case elsewhere. I asked on Friday evening in Ouistreham and they deffo wanted a Passe Sanitaire to record my passing, no Passe no dinner.. Its more than just showing something, its about being able to track infection.

I assume you mean the "Tousanticovid" app?

 

[doris]

I assume you mean the "Tousanticovid" app?

Yes, that's the one. Once one has it, all works perfectly.

 

[Bobc]

Yes, that's the one. Once one has it, all works perfectly.

Ok, thanks. I was led to believe that the NHS printout was ok, but sounds like not the case.