CROSS-CHANNEL RALLY AUGUST 2025

General : All members of ESSC and ESC are cordially invited to this enjoyable summer weekend in France. The rally is open to all from the two Emsworth sailing clubs and friends who have attended previous rallies. This popular rally has been a great success in past years, with some yachts sailing in company across the channel and a very sociable weekend arranged in and around Cherbourg. Some of us plan to visit the Channel Islands or St Vaast, before or after the rally to make the cross-channel passage more worthwhile. We will form a WhatsApp group for those signed up for the rally, to help boats to plan sailing in company. This proved to be very useful last year before and during the rally.

There are three main ways to join our rally weekend:-

> Sail your boat across·

> Join one of the boats as crew·

> Travel by ferry and stay in a nearby hotel

Each skipper is responsible for making passage plans to arrive and depart Cherbourg marina. Please let us know if you would like to sail in company or need extra crew. Overnight berthing will be reserved exclusively for us, from Thursday 14th August, on J- pontoon close to the office and shower facilities.

If you are interested to join one of the yachts as crew, please let us know. If preferred, you can also attend this event by ferry and stay at the Chantereyne Hotel, adjacent to the Marina, and allowing you to join in all the rally social activities. The hotel has recently been refurbished, with free parking and Electric Vehicle charging and just a short walk to the centre of Cherbourg and local attractions. Early booking is advised and the hotel offers advance booking with refund if you cancel by a certain date.

> Friday 15th August:- For those who have arrived at Cherbourg by Friday evening, there will be a good opportunity to socialise at a complementary Welcome Evening, courtesy Cherbourg Marina!

> Saturday 16th August:- The morning and afternoon are free for you to perhaps visit historic Cherbourg, The Old Town, The Market or "La Cite de la Mer" - an attractive visit for adults and children, with its art deco architecture, marine museum and the opportunity to visit the French Nuclear Submarine "Redoubtable". Late afternoon, we will be holding a pre-dinner pontoon party, BYO sparkling wine, drinks, and nibbles.

At 19.00 on Saturday evening, we will have the option to dine together. As for last year, we have booked at the Marina Restaurant (L'Equipage), which worked well and was not expensive.

> Sunday 17th August:- Philippe and Cecile Dubegny and their team will welcome us to Cave L'Enchanterie. There, we will, enjoy a Champagne Reception , sample the local oysters (alternative starter available), and then enjoy a typical BBQ of grilled lamb, French style. Wine, dessert and coffee are included.