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Normandy Cruise
The Normandy Cruise is an excellent opportunity to explore the Baie de Seine and the Normandy coast while gaining valuable offshore sailing and passage making experience. Departing from Hamble Point Marina, the cruise combines cross-Channel sailing with visits to some of the most interesting and historic ports in Northern France, including Cherbourg, St Vaast la Hougue, Ouistreham and Honfleur.
Designed for sailors looking to build confidence offshore, the cruise provides hands-on experience in navigation, watch keeping, pilotage and passage planning under the guidance of experienced BOSS instructors. The varied nature of the trip offers opportunities to practise cross-Channel navigation, tidal pilotage and longer coastal passages in real cruising conditions.
The cruise also offers the chance to explore the Normandy coast ashore. Highlights may include the fishing port of St Vaast, the D-Day beaches at Arromanches, Pegasus Bridge, Bayeux, the Caen Canal and the picturesque harbour at Honfleur. Local food and wine are very much part of the experience, with Normandy renowned for its seafood, cheeses and Calvados.
This cruise is ideal for competent crew and aspiring skippers looking to gain meaningful mileage, offshore experience and confidence while enjoying a rewarding and varied cruising adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Hamble for Cherbourg. Practice conventional and electronic navigation, course to steer calculations, traffic separation schemes, collision avoidance and pilotage techniques.
Day 2
Passage to St Vaast la Hougue via Cap Barfleur. Pilotage into the harbour and lock entrance before overnight stay in the marina.
Day 3
Sail to Ouistreham via the Mulberry Harbours at Arromanches, with possible anchorage stop for lunch if conditions allow. Lock into the Caen Canal marina.
Day 4
Optional day ashore to visit Pegasus Bridge, Bayeux, Caen or the D-Day museums. Alternatively continue sailing towards Deauville.
Day 5
Passage past Le Havre into the Seine estuary before locking into picturesque Honfleur.
Day 6
Explore Honfleur before departing on the return cross-Channel passage to the Solent. Overnight sailing and watch keeping.
Day 7
Arrive back in the Eastern Solent and return to Hamble Point Marina. Yacht clean down, debrief and departure.
This itinerary should be treated as a guide as ports visited may vary due to prevailing and forecast weather conditions.
From: £995
Additional Information
2026 Dates:
24 – 31 May 2026
Everything You Need Before You Sail
Get your joining pack for practical details, what to bring, and what to expect on your course.
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FAQs
Find out answers to frequently asked questions
No previous sailing experience is needed. The RYA Competent Crew course is designed for complete beginners, and your instructor will guide you through everything step by step. By the end of the course, you should feel confident helping to sail the yacht, handling ropes, steering and taking part in everyday life on board. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and get involved. visit our Training or Learn to Sail page for skill‑level requirements.
We recommend comfortable clothing, non‑slip shoes, sunscreen, and any personal items you may need. A full checklist is available on our Preparation page.
Our cancellation and refund terms are outlined on the Terms & Conditions page. If you have questions about rescheduling, our Contact page is the best place to get quick assistance.
We provide a range of sailing experiences including private charters, training, and corporate events.
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