Ideal Boat Size for Channel Island Hop

[rwilson]

I crossed from Dartmouth to Alderney (day trip) in a 6.1m rib. Just kept a good eye on the weather and left nice and early in the morning. I also contacted Brixham coast guard and filed a passage plan as I was solo.

Great fun, 28 knots average speed, about 2hrs 15 mins from memory, a real adventure!!!

However, was quite tiring but hull design over absolute length is probably more important imho

 

[neale]

I have been to the CI's in my 25ft Bayliner and it is perfectly doable. It's all about the weather and having enough fuel. 25ft boat is about the minimum to be able to deal with a slight sea, that you will almost certainly get at some point, despite forecasts. We have had quite a few 25ft boats on MBM cruises, including a Fletcher 25 like your on one of our Channel Islands cruises a few years back.

If you can do it in company you will appreciate having another boat on hand should you need any assistance.

 

[2_rollocks]

I crossed the channel in a Fairline 21 weekender with a Volvo aqad41b 200hp diesel engine from exmouth in just under 4 hours to guernsey. Like others have said you do need to keep a watchful eye on the weather and let the coastguard know of your crossing and arrival at the other end. We finished up with alderney to exmouth in the end and was very lucky to have a 2 week window of near perfect weather.

While over there I especially liked sark and spent 2 nights on visitors buoys by Brecqhou island. Can't wait to go back and explore some more again next season. Weather hasn't allowed for the last 2 seasons when I've had the time off of work.

 

[EugeneR]

Smaller boat, fuel range is key - especially if you are on petrol like me.

If sea gets rough your consumption may be a lot higher than planned. It is usually the return trip when the weather may not be ideal. Plan an alternative return option e.g. ferry, flight if time bound.

Rough guidance, if weather and sea forecast are well within your boat's CE rating limits then you should bo ok. Check route for overfalls etc.