Sail a Square Rigger Across the English Channel

Setting Sail on your first tall ship voyage

Over two nights and one full day sailing you will really begin to understand what tall ship sailing is all about.

Stepping aboard Phoenix, you’ll get to know your fellow crew and receive a full safety briefing, plus an up to date itinerary based on the latest weather forecast. Soon it’s time to slip lines and set sails!

Cherbourg has welcomed sailors for generations, and is famous for having the world’s second-largest artificial harbour. The city is as a major naval, commercial, and ferry hub, and the waterfront can feel quite industrial and bleak, but there are gems to be found here if you know where to look! We’d highly recommend finding somewhere local to stay the night before your voyage. The boarding time is 10.00 so it will certainly make your travel plans less stressful. Take the time to visit the Cité de la Mer, a maritime museum housed in the former transatlantic terminal, and stroll around the historic town centre.

Along the Way

This may be a short voyage, but you will soon feel part of the crew! Help to haul lines, set sails, steer the ship and get involved in every aspect of running a square rigger. The atmosphere on board is fantastically welcoming. Phoenix is a family run ship and Yannick, Céline and their children have an infectious excitement for sailing her. They’re also joined by additional professional crew, creating a great crew to guest ratio (Phoenix takes a maximum of 12 guests).

Taking Your Place in the Crew

The passage is just shy of 80 nautical miles, allowing plenty of time to meander, sail the ship and pick a nice stopover to suit the conditions. En route to Portsmouth, the ship will take time to explore the coast of the Isle of Wight, including the chance to step ashore.

Arriving in Portsmouth

Sailing into Portsmouth is a journey through Britain’s naval past. Line yourself up with some local accommodation for the night of your arrival in Portsmouth, as there’s so much to explore here for anyone with the slightest interest in all things maritime! The historic dockyard is a must visit- you could easily spend all day here. It’s home to iconic ships like the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose Museum and the Museum of the Royal Navy.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The weather in August tends to be at its most settled, with warm, pleasant days averaging around 22°C and comfortable evenings in the low teens. Winds across this stretch of the Channel blow predominantly from the south-west to west, typically at a gentle to moderate Force 3–4. On a north-easterly heading toward Portsmouth, this usually puts the wind on or just behind the beam- a very happy place for sailing a brig like Phoenix!

Occasional passing weather fronts can freshen the breeze to Force 4–5, but prolonged rough conditions in August are unusual. Expect a mix of bright, sunny spells and the odd passing shower — very much the character of the English Channel in summer.

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice. 

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on Phoenix’s vessel page.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Phoenix

What is Included:

• All meals aboard (soft and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase- alcohol may not be consumed when the ship is underway).
• All safety equipment, including lifejackets. Please don't bring your own lifejacket, as it may not comply with Phoenix's commercial safety standards.
• Your bunk, sheet and pillow (but you WILL NEED A SLEEPING BAG AND PILLOW CASE)

What is Not Included:

• Travel to and from your voyage
• Personal travel insurance (see our advice on Travel Insurance)
• Waterproofs - If this is your first voyage, good walking waterproofs will be fine. We only recommend buying sailing waterproofs if you are frequent sailors. See our article 'What Should I Wear to Go Sailing' for more information.

What to Bring

• Please, no valuable jewellery or other valuables, unless you have got specific travel insurance to cover it.
• Waterproofs - see above.
• A sleeping bag, pillow case and towel.
• Hats for sun and cold weather.
• Swim suit and suntan lotion.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
• A small amount of cash for jaunts ashore.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read...
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
• Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles.
• Tech chargers and waterproof cases for any electronics. A rechargeable battery pack for your phone / camera can be really helpful, as the 240v power supply on board is not 24 hours.

Download our handy Packing List, which includes some great advice about what to take with you!

N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE LIMIT YOURSELF TO ONE SOFT BAG OR RUCKSACK. Please don't use a rigid suitcase or a bag with a rigid frame. Soft bags are much easier to fold up and stow.