The CA and Haven Knox-Johnston partnered for the highly informative 'Crossing the Channel and Cruising Northern France' webinar, presented by Bob Garrett, joint Channel Section Secretary, and hosted by specialist boat insurers Haven Knox-Johnston.
The live session on 25 January 2024, covered a diverse range of essential topics for those contemplating a Channel crossing and exploring the northern French coast. The comprehensive discussion delved into ports of entry, passage planning, route and tidal considerations, logbooks, navigation, shipping, boat and equipment essentials. Bob also covered safety and emergency protocols, UK entry/exit procedures, crew considerations, weather awareness, paperwork requirements, and victualling tips. He also shared plenty of recommendations for friendly and cost-effective marinas.
The recorded webinar is available for all to watch, along with a transcript and documents, at this YouTube link or by choosing the option to watch on YouTube below.
The significant feedback both during the webinar and in response to the recording has been fantastic, with comments including:
- "It reinforced all that I have done over the last many years but was also watched by our grown-up children who are using the boats we all own, more and more. Really useful, excellent, clear lecturer with great experience."
- "I want to say a very big Thank You to Bob, Paul and all involved. What an excellent and informative session. The questions – all answered extremely well – covered a vast range of topics and everyone who watched should now be better informed, and safer when they make their Channel crossing.
- "It will be my first time doing the crossing, and I am doing it with another vessel, skippered by someone who has done the crossing a few times. I like being informed about everything, so I am trying to learn as much as possible. I tried looking up all this information before the session, however I didn't find anywhere near as much as you have covered.
CA members also have exclusive access to other recent webinar recordings by CA Sections, including:
- Cruising from The Channel - Bob and Sue Garrett share insights into summer cruises, covering South-West Ireland, the Netherlands, Western France, Northern Spain and even the Baltic.
- French VLS-T visa - CA member Judy Evans presents her first-hand knowledge of successfully applying for a VLS-T.
- Effective Channel Passage Making - Bob Garrett talks about the variables to consider, including wind, tide, sea state, course, the boat, sails, and crew.
Members can take a watch here
For details of all upcoming CA Events, many of which are open to non-members as well, visit the CA Calendar.
5 March 2024