England's Crown Jewels

The archipelago between England and France is one of the most demanding destinations in Europe: tidal ranges of sometimes over ten meters, currents of up to eight knots. Nonetheless, the islands, which are independently owned by the British Crown and are neither part of England nor the EU, have a magical appeal. Sometimes steep with a rugged rocky coast, sometimes quaint British castles and villages, in between great anchorage bays and quiet idyll like Sark, a car-free island - which also has no port.

If you want to sail here, you have to be familiar with tidal navigation. Electricity cards, sip and jumping times, calculate water levels - all of this has to be right, otherwise you will quickly experience unpleasant surprises. Owners can come with their own boat, and charter crews can sail over from nearby Saint-Malo.

But if you don't trust yourself to do all of this, you can also consider another alternative: bunk charter. Because there are a few providers, also from Germany, who regularly call at the islands. Experienced skippers bring the diverse crews closer to the area, without the stress of having to take responsibility for the boat and crew.

We were on board the Swan 48 "Dantes" and immediately experienced the tough sides of the area, which is always good for capers even in midsummer.

The report was published in YACHT No. 22/2020. The magazine can be ordered directly here, or you can download the article directly from the link below

Photo gallery: England's crown jewels

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