Day trip to France

[CGFR]

I have an 8m Cobra rib with a 300hp Yamaha which I keep in Portsmouth. Thinking of a day trip to France for lunch and back. I’ve done a few long passages down west to Dartmouth and surrounding areas, but never across the Channel. What French ports do people recommend and what crossing should I attempt. For example, should I head off from Portsmouth, or move the boat across to somewhere further east (eg Eastbourne or Hastings) and head off from there, for example to Dieppe? Thoughts from others who’ve done this before most gratefully received. Thanks.

[Pikey Dave]

St Vaast is a very nice spot for lunch. There is a friendly marina that will let you tie up for a couple of hours for free. I’d do an overnight personally, plenty of small hotels in the town.

[CGFR]

Thanks for the recommendation. Which U.K. port did you go from and how long did it take?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by CGFR

Thanks for the recommendation. Which U.K. port did you go from and how long did it take?

I haven’t done it as a trip on our boat from the UK, though I know people who have. You can leave from Pompey/Soton/Poole etc . It’s about 90nm/4 hours on a good run. We take our boat across on the ferry & stay for weeks. I know most of the Normandy ports reasonably well & StV is one of our favourites. The port is gated & is open around 3hrs either side of HW depending on tides. Hence my suggestion of staying overnight. There’s plenty to keep you occupied for a weekend. Tatihou & the Vauban tower on the Hogue to name 2.
Another option is Cherbourg, plenty of restaurants & bars, Cite de la mar museum. A slightly shorter crossing, but not as pretty as StV.

[Obsidian]

As PD says Cherbourg is not a pretty city, but it is small boat friendly and I have always had a warm welcome.

Don't forget about the Channel Islands, an easy reach from Pompey.

I would also echo Dave's suggestion to plan for an over night, seems a long time on the water for only lunch.

[RickW]

Not ribbed it but been across to Sark/Channel Islands by Rib from Portland and Hard Boart from Brighton a couple of times - can get very very lumpy around Alderney - ditto what PD said about St Vaast - used it as a base for some Normandy wreck diving. Cracking little port and marina and the town is fantastic for food and drinks

[D.VP.]

If you are a member of the R.Y.A. you get a decent discount in Cherbourg (Chanteraine marina) for an overnight stay. Good showers.
If you leave the Solent via the Needles the course is basically 180° and you are crossing the shipping at right angles. I use three way points :

Needles 50°.39'•57 N 01°.36'•70 W

Mid Channel 50°.10' N 01°.37' W

Cherbourg Eastern entrance 49°.40'•43 N 01°.35'•72 W

Good luck,
D.VP. (Jock)

[Brian]

I would have thought that St. Vaast would be a bit too much "Frenchness" for a first timer like yourself. Cherbourg is much friendlier/easier to get into/not tidal dependant/no NHS/etc.
St. Vaast also has some nasty floating mussel growing bouys in a square patch just outside the entrance. Catches the unwary!

Or, if you want "the full English" why not go to Alderney?
Same rough distance/they speak English there (believe it or not)/same currency/NHS (well nearly)/etc.

However, dont let me put you off, you've got to do it sometime haven't you?
Going abroad is always exciting!

[36valley]

There's an excellent article in the current (June) Motorboat and Yachting about crossing the channel or going to the Channel Islands from various departure points along the South coast. All the waypoints and distances along with advice on the approaches. Well worth a look for anybody thinking about doing this for the first time.

[brucehawsker]

I love St Vaast but had great experience in our 6.5m from Gosport to Honfleur in the mouth of the Seine. 6.5 hours out 4 hours back. Stayed four nights in August and they charged us nothing! Might be up for a joint trip if you wanted company!

[Maximus]

Yep St Vaast is lovely place to visit by RIB...Good Marina Facility's ...plenty of Good value places to eat and stay over....very French (certainly a Bonus in my view!)and a great Weekend Street/Fish Market

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Yep St Vaast is lovely place to visit by RIB...Good Marina Facility's ...plenty of Good value places to eat and stay over....very French (certainly a Bonus in my view!)and a great Weekend Street/Fish Market

And if you like oysters........[emoji12][emoji7]

[PeteG]

+ 1 for Honfleur.

Never done it by boat, but have stopped there many times on Normandy motorcycle tours. It's a beautiful town with very interesting historic port & basin

[Dr. Hook]

+1 for Honfleur


The medieval parts are lovely -the old lavoirs. The exaggerated verticality of the more modern buildings around the harbour are great too.


An easy trip from Brighton Marina - I think it's something like 170 and off you go.....or am I getting that confused with Fecamp?

[CGFR]

Thanks for all the great suggestions - much appreciated!

[D.VP.]

If you want a really first class dining experience, go to the Fuschia.
Amazing food.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by D.VP.

If you want a really first class dining experience, go to the Fuschia.
Amazing food.

Not been, but I’ve heard mixed reviews from our French friends.