Ep 44. Sailing La Manche La Harve Cherbourg English Channel and our first Channel Island, Aldernay
December 27, 2025 · 18 min · 600 views · Le Havre
What this video covers
A Baltic Yachts 42 DP sailed from the Normandy coast to Cherbourg and across the English Channel to Alderney, navigating significant tidal currents and heavy traffic. The crew completed a 54-mile passage from the Seine to Le Havre, followed by a 70-mile transit to Cherbourg that required motor-sailing through wind-against-tide conditions near the Barfleur headland.5:00 This area, known for intersecting currents, created a "washing machine" sea state that slowed the vessel to 1–2 knots for approximately 20 minutes.7:24 During the 25-mile crossing to Alderney, the crew utilized tidal current charts to time their departure, achieving speeds of up to 10 knots by riding the current.14:16 They employed a crab-walking technique, steering a 315-degree heading to maintain a 270-degree course against a 3.2-knot cross-current.14:25 Navigation relied on Navionics charts, the Bloc Marine guide, and the Imray Channel Pilot.9:33 The crew secured a mooring ball in Alderney after dodging fishing gear and navigating heavy haze.16:52
Boats in this video
More from Sailing Northern Brees
From Sailing Northern Brees — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.