7-Day Channel Triangle Trips – Log Serious Miles in a Week

Part of our Mile Building Sailing Trips series.

Seven days, three countries – a true offshore experience.

Build Offshore Miles and Confidence

The 7-Day Channel Triangle Trip is one of our most popular mile-building adventures. Over a full week at sea you’ll log around 300–350 nautical miles, combining coastal and offshore sailing between the UK, Channel Islands and France.

It’s the ideal challenge for sailors progressing from Coastal Skipper toward Yachtmaster Offshore, or anyone eager to deepen their offshore experience in a supportive, professional environment.

Passage planning the classic Channel Triangle route.

The Classic Channel Triangle Route

Routes vary with wind and tide, but typically include:

• Southampton → West towards Weymouth, Portland, Brixham or Dartmouth
• Dorset or West Country → Channel Islands – Alderney or Guernsey  or to Brittany (France) – Cherbourg or St Malo
• Return → Southampton, rounding (or is it squaring?) the triangle

These voyages offers a balance of offshore and coastal sailing, mixed conditions, and the satisfaction of completing a significant navigation project.

Approaching Alderney – first stop on the Channel Triangle.

Opportunities to Skipper and Lead

During the week, there’s an opportunity for two crew members to act as skipper for 60 nautical mile passages under the guidance of our RYA Instructor. You’ll plan and execute the leg, manage watch systems, and handle real-world decision-making – perfect for anyone aiming for Yachtmaster Offshore.

Take command of a 60-mile leg under instructor coaching.

Skills You’ll Develop

• Passage planning across shipping lanes
• Advanced tidal and weather routing
• Watchkeeping, navigation & log management
• Night sailing and coastal pilotage
• Crew leadership and teamwork offshore

Night watches build skill, confidence and teamwork.

Why Sail the Channel Triangle?

• Log 300+ nautical miles in a week – qualifying for Yachtmaster Offshore requirements
• Experience a mix of coastal, cross-Channel and offshore sailing
• Professional instruction and supportive crew atmosphere
• Opportunities to skipper passages and lead watches
• Fantastic ports – Guernsey, Cherbourg, St Malo and more

Explore charming ports like St Malo and Cherbourg along the way.

What to Bring

• RYA logbook and passport
• Waterproofs, warm layers and deck shoes
• Sleeping bag
• Sense of adventure and team spirit!

Book Your Channel Triangle Trip

Experience a full week of adventure and skill-building on our 7-Day Channel Triangle. Each passage adds miles, confidence and memories that last a lifetime.

View more info on Mile Building Channel Triangles and upcoming dates or email [email protected] to reserve your berth.

Ready for your next challenge? Try our short Weekend Channel Hops, scenic Dorset Jurassic Coast Cruises, northern Norway Expeditions or ocean Atlantic Adventures. Learn more in our main guide to Mile Building Sailing Trips.

Posted by: First Class Sailing