The successful crossing for the fleet over to Cherbourg
49 38.701 N 001 37.251 W Cherbourg Marina
The fleet departed as planned at 0700 hrs. The MBM control RIB Time Flies, with Richard and Claire aboard had departed a little earlier. The plan for them was to stay ahead of the fleet, entering Cherbourg first to help with fuelling and berthing. Blue Fin would follow and cross with the slower boats.
The crossing was fantastic; as predicted a 1-2 ft swell with a north-westerly breeze.
With sunny skies above the conditions couldn’t have been better. Congratulations to our first time channel crossers Broom 42, Lady of Weare, Sealine T50 Sea O2 and Bavaria 37 Sport Oxygen.
Time Flies was the first to enter the outer harbour of Cherbourg just after 1200hrs French time. Sunseeker Ocean Catch followed close behind and had a brief glimpse of a lone dolphin within the outer breakwater. Everyone was fuelled and assembled by early afternoon, giving enough time for participants to explore the town.
A briefing was held on the pontoon and its all systems go for tomorrow’s passage to St Helier, Jersey. The forecast predicts better weather than today but it’s another early start for the fleet tomorrow morning to catch the good tide in the Alderney Race. The boats will depart from 0730hrs onwards (that’s 0630 BST!)
Photos – Fleet crossing the Channel, Aquastar Gallant Lady and Briefing at Cherbourg
