Channel

Welcome to the Channel Section

One of the more recently formed CA cruising sections, it was set up in 2011 to encourage folks in their boats to ‘go foreign’ and to discover and enjoy this wonderfully varied cruising ground almost on the doorstep.

The Channel Section Area

Covering the French coast from the France/Belgium border to Portsall, the section includes the Channel Islands and the south coast of England. The varied landscape, tides and culture are a delight. The cliffs from Calais to Le Havre with Dieppe, St Valery en Caux and Fecamp give way to the low sandy beaches south of the Seine estuary starting in Honfleur through to Barfleur. The fascinating and thought-provoking history of the D-Day landings makes this particular part of France memorable.

Having crossed the Channel for many people, Cherbourg is the first port of call. It is a convenient place to start cruising the coast to the east or to the west into the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands and adjacent coast of France combine superb sailing with excellent opportunities to use the tides and to hone your pilotage skills.

The North Brittany coastline is stunning with plenty of options for having a good time out at sea or in the many attractive harbours, ports and rivers. There are plenty of secluded anchorages to forget busy lives and to slow down. To the west, beyond L’Aberwrac’h, turn south through the Chenal de Four into the Bay of Biscay, and on to a neighbouring section.

Being part of our Section

Section members enjoy the diverse cruising available in the area and benefit from being part of the Channel cruising network. It provides support and information for those at sea along this coast and company if you want it. There are very good CA berthing discounts in Cherbourg and the Opale coast marinas in Dunkerque, Gravelines, Calais, Boulogne-sur-mer and Etaples-sur-mer. There is also a network of local representatives (HLRs) who live and work locally and are on hand to offer advice and assistance should you need it. The section can arrange cruises in company and rallies for those who enjoy the more social aspects of cruising.