The English Channel and the Channel Islands

The English Channel

‘La Manche’ in French, (the Sleeve, from its shape.) ‘Mor Breizh’ in Breton, the ‘Breton Sea’ and in Cornish ‘Mor Kurnow’, the Cornish Sea.

This is one of the busiest sailing regions in the world into which are added some of the busiest shipping routes in the world.

You are either crossing it north or south or traveling along it east or west. West is best!

It has many ports on either side of the Channel and sailors are a big part of the history where ever you go ashore. Captains are spoilt for choice of ports and a lot will depend on the final destination and of course the winds, tides and state of the nations!

Its busy, so keep a good lookout!

The Channel Islands

The Channel Islands are a unique part of Great Britain that are as much French as they are British and have some of the strongest tidal currents anywhere in the world with the Alderney Races running at 7 knots in a big spring tide.

Alderney

The most northerly island is a frequent stop for many tall ships and traditional vessels traveling east or west along the English Channel. It has more forts than pubs and a very long breakwater protecting the island port of Braye.

Jersey and Guernsey

The main islands of Jersey and Guernsey are well developed with Marinas and lots of good shops, pubs and restaurants.  

Sark

This small island has more banks than pubs and you have to be careful not to fall of the step edges!

Around the islands.

The waters around the islands are arguably among the clearest, offering the perfect window on a treasure chest of marine life. Dolphins and Porpoises can often be seen off the coast and the whole area has large populations of seabirds. We regularly visit the islands on voyages to and from the French coast and the mild climate means that the area is a great place to visit at any time of year.

Fort Clonque on Alderney

FAQs for English Channel and Channel Islands

Can complete beginners sail the English Channel? Yes, complete beginners are welcome on Channel voyages. The English Channel and Channel Islands offer excellent training grounds with busy shipping, strong tides, and varied conditions that teach practical seamanship. Professional crews will guide you through navigation, pilotage, and sail handling in one of the world’s most interesting sailing regions. You’ll learn proper watch-keeping and traffic awareness in these busy waters.

What makes the Channel Islands unique? The Channel Islands are as much French as British with their own distinctive character. They feature some of the strongest tidal currents anywhere in the world, with the Alderney Races running at 7 knots during big spring tides. The crystal-clear waters offer a perfect window on marine life, with frequent dolphin and porpoise sightings. Seabirds thrive on inaccessible rocks, and the mild climate makes the islands great to visit year-round.

Which Channel Islands will we visit? Typical voyages visit Alderney (the most northerly, with more forts than pubs and a long breakwater), Jersey and Guernsey (well-developed main islands with marinas and good facilities), tiny Sark (with more banks than pubs and dramatic step edges), and various smaller islands. Each has unique charm, from historic fortifications to white sand beaches, clear snorkeling waters, and abundant wildlife.

What’s sailing the English Channel like? The English Channel (‘La Manche’ in French, ‘Mor Breizh’ in Breton, ‘Mor Kurnow’ in Cornish) is one of the busiest sailing regions in the world. You’ll navigate through some of the busiest shipping routes, requiring good lookouts and practical pilotage skills. Many ports line both shores with rich sailing history. Whether crossing north-south or traveling east-west, the Channel offers varied conditions and fascinating stops.

Why is sailing better than staying on one island? Traditional sailing vessels regularly visit the French coast and Channel Islands, allowing you to experience multiple islands and cultures in one voyage. The journey between islands becomes part of the adventure, with crystal-clear waters, strong tidal currents creating exciting sailing, and opportunities to spot marine life. You’ll visit picturesque harbors and anchorages that most tourists never see from land-based holidays.