Weekend Channel Hops – Offshore Experience in Two Days

Part of our Mile Building Sailing Trips series.

Yacht crossing the Channel at dawn – a true offshore experience.

Short Offshore Adventures That Build Real Experience

Looking for a short but rewarding way to build miles and real-world experience? Our Weekend Channel Hops are compact offshore passages — typically from Southampton to Cherbourg, or Alderney and back— that let you experience genuine offshore sailing without taking a week off work.

They’re perfect for anyone wanting to gain offshore experience, work toward Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster certification, or simply improve seamanship in varied conditions.

Unlike a classroom course, these trips focus on experience: different weather, tides, sea states, traffic and the unexpected things that happen at sea — and how to deal with them safely and calmly. Every hop teaches you something new, whatever your level.

Passage planning before departure from Southampton.

Opportunity to Skipper a 60-Mile Passage

Each Channel Hop offers the opportunity for two people — one on the outbound leg and one on the return — to take on the role of skipper for a 60 nautical mile passage. This is done under the supportive eye (and coaching if needed) of our RYA Instructor.

It’s an invaluable experience for anyone aspiring to become a Yachtmaster Offshore, as it allows you to log a qualifying passage, handle decision-making and navigation, and feel the responsibility of skippering a crew across the Channel.

Opportunity to take command under the guidance of our RYA Instructor.

What You’ll Learn on a Channel Hop

• Offshore passage planning and tidal calculations
• Cross the busy shipping lanes
• Night sailing and watch systems
• Pilotage into foreign harbours (e.g. Cherbourg, Alderney)
• Weather assessment and route planning
• Customs procedures and entry formalities

Typical trips log around 100–150 nautical miles, giving you meaningful offshore experience and confidence in navigation and boat handling.

Typical Itinerary

Friday evening: Arrive in Southampton, safety briefing, passage plan and weather review. Depart that night or early Saturday morning.  You may tie onto a buoy at Yarmouth on Friday evening if the tide at the Needles make that a good option.

Saturday: Cross the English Channel, taking turns on watch. Experience offshore sailing, helming and navigation by day and night. Arrive in Cherbourg or Alderney, explore ashore and enjoy dinner with the crew.

Sunday: Depart early for the return leg to Southampton. Log your miles, debrief and head home Sunday late pm.

Arrival in Cherbourg – a satisfying highlight of your weekend adventure.

Why Choose a Weekend Channel Hop

• Ideal for time-poor sailors who want meaningful offshore experience
• Excellent preparation for future Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster training
• Opportunity to skipper a 60-mile passage under instructor supervision
• Real-world practice of tidal navigation and night sailing
• Invaluable experience of crossing the shipping lanes
• Professional skippers offer coaching and guidance throughout
• A sociable, adventurous way to build confidence and sea miles

Navigation and passage planning are core to the experience.

Preparation and What to Bring

• Passport and RYA logbook (for mile recording)
• Waterproofs, warm layers, sailing gloves and headtorch (red light if possible)
• Soft-soled deck shoes
• Snacks or treats to share with the crew

If it’s your first offshore or night-sailing experience, don’t worry — your skipper will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel comfortable and learn as you go.

Crew tidy up down below before departure from Southampton.

Book Your Channel Hop

Join a Weekend Channel Hop and experience what real offshore sailing is all about — passage planning, watch systems, night sailing and teamwork. Each weekend will make you a more confident, capable sailor.

View more information and upcoming Mile Building Sailing Trips or email [email protected] to reserve your berth.

If a weekend Channel crossing whets your appetite, take a look at our other Mile Building adventures. You might enjoy exploring the coast on our Dorset Jurassic Coast Cruises, logging more miles on a 7-Day Channel Triangle Trip, heading north on a Norway Expedition, or venturing far offshore on one of our Atlantic Adventures. Find them all in our main guide to Mile Building Sailing Trips.

Posted by: First Class Sailing