Top tips for your first English Channel crossing

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From planning to arrival: getting your first crossing right

For many sailors, crossing the English Channel for the first time is a real milestone. Whether you’re heading to France, the Channel Islands or simply looking to build confidence offshore, good planning can make a huge difference. From paperwork and insurance to tides, weather and arrival procedures, here are our top hints and tips to help you prepare.

1. Start with good preparation

Check your boat thoroughly before you leave. Make sure the engine, rigging and sails are in good condition, and that your safety equipment is in date, complete and easy to access. Carry sensible spares, tools and enough fuel to motor the whole passage if needed.

2. Know your paperwork

Before you sail to or from the UK, you must submit a pleasure craft report to the UK government, including details of your boat, voyage, people on board and goods being carried. The preferred method is to submit a UK Pleasure Craft Report using the online sPCR system at least 2 hours before departure, but no more than 24 hours before. If you are unable to get online, there are alternative options to submit the required form by email or post. For the latest information, visit GOV.UK and search “Submit a pleasure craft report”.

Make sure you also carry passports, original boat registration documents, insurance showing cover for French waters, proof of VAT status if available, and your ship radio licence.

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3. Check your insurance cover

Make sure your policy includes France and the Channel Islands, and check whether there are any restrictions on solo sailing, night sailing, extended cruising areas or minimum crew requirements. If you are unsure, speak to your insurer before you go.

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4. Carry suitable charts and pilot books

Make sure you have appropriate charts and pilot books on board. Do not rely solely on a mobile navigation app or chart plotter – it is always wise to have a paper back-up. A pilot book, such as The Shell Channel Pilot published by Imray, can be extremely useful when planning routes, ports, tidal gates and arrival options.

5. Plan your passage and timings carefully

Study tidal streams, weather forecasts and marina access times well in advance. Aim to leave with enough time to arrive in daylight, especially if it is your first crossing or you are entering an unfamiliar harbour. Have a realistic passage plan, but be prepared to change it if the weather, tide or crew confidence level changes.

6. Understand entry procedures

To enter France, you must follow the appropriate French border entry procedures. In most cases, this means arriving at an official Port of Entry, known as a Port de Passage Frontalier, or using one of the approved marina arrangements where available. Rules and local procedures can change, so always check the current requirements with your chosen marina or port before leaving the UK. Keep copies of any forms or confirmations on board.

7. Prepare for night sailing

Even if you plan to complete the crossing in daylight, be prepared for the possibility of sailing in the dark. Check your navigation lights, rig safety lines, brief the crew and agree a watch system. Lifejackets should be worn, and crew should clip on whenever appropriate, particularly at night, in poor visibility or on deck in rough conditions.

8. Follow customs and food rules

Restrictions apply to bringing meat and dairy products into France from Great Britain, so check the latest rules before you travel. Keep receipts for fuel, avoid carrying marked diesel into France, and make sure you understand the personal allowances for alcohol, tobacco and other goods.

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A cat sits on the bow of a boat cruising the Solent, with clouds and birds in the sky.

9. Think carefully before travelling with pets

Travelling with pets is not straightforward. Taking them to France may be possible, but returning to Great Britain with pets on a private boat is very limited and subject to strict rules, so check the latest government guidance before travelling. Dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to the EU usually need an Animal Health Certificate, proof of microchip and rabies vaccination, and must enter through an approved Travellers’ Point of Entry, such as Calais, Cherbourg, Caen-Ouistreham or St Malo.

An Animal Health Certificate is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days after issue. Pets returning to Great Britain from France must travel via an approved ferry, train or air route. Dogs also need tapeworm treatment before returning, given no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before arrival in Great Britain.

10. Keep an eye on the weather

Monitor forecasts from trusted sources such as the Met Office and Météo-France, alongside model-based apps such as Windy. Start watching the weather several days ahead and choose a stable window with light to moderate conditions. If the forecast starts to look marginal, wait for a better opportunity.

11. If in doubt, sail with others

If you are not fully confident, consider sailing in company with a friend, another boat from your marina, or an organised rally. It can be a great way to build experience, learn from others and enjoy the crossing with added reassurance.

Your first Channel crossing should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With the right preparation, a sensible weather window and a flexible approach, it can be a fantastic confidence builder and a stepping stone to cruising further afield in the future.

If you’re planning on crossing the English Channel this year, then our recent webinar, Crossing the Channel and Northern France, is for you! With expert guest Bob Garrett from the Cruising Association, it is packed with essential information such as practical advice for planning your passage, understanding the tides and choosing suitable ports. You can watch the full webinar here: How to sail across the Channel and cruise northern France.

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