Twister_Ken
Well-Known Member
Just got back from my first 'extended' cruise, two-up with Madame. In the past longer trips I've done have been regatta weeks on fully-staffed racing boats, flotilla holidays, or X-Channel dashes with a few blokes.
So as a first step towards Ma and Pa cruising, we signed up to the Cruising Association's Northern France and Channel Island's Section (snappy title, huh?) cruise in company which started in Cherbourg and ended in St Cast, going via Guernsey and Jersey. Ten boats in total ranging from a Hunter Channel 31 to a self-built 50' wooden ketch, all sailed two-up.
The programme included a Pontoon Party in Cherbourg, a reception at the Royal Channel Islands Club in Guernsey, a 'safari supper' afloat in Guernsey, a barbecued shellfish lunch at a fishing shack on Jersey, a vin d'honneur and supper at the Royal Channel Islands Club in St Aubin, Jersey, pontoon olympics in St Cast and an end-of-cruise supper in a St Cast restaurant. Discounted berthing in all venues except Guernsey, specially negotiated meal deals for group meals, and many drinks/snacks on other boats.
At the end of the cruise several boats left in company for points west in Brittany, while others (like me) found our own way home. We had a great time - sailing highlight: carrying the cruising chute all the way up the Little Russell and on to Cap de la Hague.
The whole thing was free to join and take part in (pay your own food, drinks, parking) and was a great example of getting value out of CA membership which is £118 a year. I reckon I saved most of that on parking and eating discounts.
Earlier in the summer there were cruises in company in Southern Brittany (Biscay Section) and to Belgium (North Sea Section). Next year a new Celtic section will be launched for Welsh, Irish and Scottish waters.
2014 will see a similar programme, with the addition of a Celtic cruise.
If you'd like to build confidence, or just sail in company, it comes strongly recommended.
So as a first step towards Ma and Pa cruising, we signed up to the Cruising Association's Northern France and Channel Island's Section (snappy title, huh?) cruise in company which started in Cherbourg and ended in St Cast, going via Guernsey and Jersey. Ten boats in total ranging from a Hunter Channel 31 to a self-built 50' wooden ketch, all sailed two-up.
The programme included a Pontoon Party in Cherbourg, a reception at the Royal Channel Islands Club in Guernsey, a 'safari supper' afloat in Guernsey, a barbecued shellfish lunch at a fishing shack on Jersey, a vin d'honneur and supper at the Royal Channel Islands Club in St Aubin, Jersey, pontoon olympics in St Cast and an end-of-cruise supper in a St Cast restaurant. Discounted berthing in all venues except Guernsey, specially negotiated meal deals for group meals, and many drinks/snacks on other boats.
At the end of the cruise several boats left in company for points west in Brittany, while others (like me) found our own way home. We had a great time - sailing highlight: carrying the cruising chute all the way up the Little Russell and on to Cap de la Hague.
The whole thing was free to join and take part in (pay your own food, drinks, parking) and was a great example of getting value out of CA membership which is £118 a year. I reckon I saved most of that on parking and eating discounts.
Earlier in the summer there were cruises in company in Southern Brittany (Biscay Section) and to Belgium (North Sea Section). Next year a new Celtic section will be launched for Welsh, Irish and Scottish waters.
2014 will see a similar programme, with the addition of a Celtic cruise.
If you'd like to build confidence, or just sail in company, it comes strongly recommended.
