Channel Islands Tidal Training: Tidal Sailing from Brittany

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, this region offers tidal differences of around 10–12 meters, generating currents of up to 10 knots. Want to learn how to plan crossings and navigate in areas where the sea is anything but static? Set sail for a true sailing adventure!

Course information

The biggest tides in Europe

On this fascinating yet navigationally demanding cruise, you will practise hands-on navigation in tidal waters under the guidance of an experienced Czech or Slovak skipper. With tidal ranges of up to 12 metres, you will explore a coastline and islands very different from the familiar Mediterranean. The route runs from Saint-Malo along the northern coast of Brittany and out to Guernsey and Jersey – a land of rocky cliffs and stone villages tucked into sandy bays, with the largest tides in Europe. The cruise combines longer legs (max. 40–50 miles), short hops from port to port and sightseeing stops.

What you will learn

Skill	What you will learn
Navigation	passage planning around tides and tidal streams
Pilotage	entering harbours with a tidal range of up to 12 m
Passages	longer legs (max. 40–50 nm) and short port-to-port hops
Crewing	everyone takes part in sailing and navigation according to their skills

Highlights

Saint-Malo. The cruise starts beneath the walls of the old corsair town, where the tide reshapes the whole harbour every day.
Jersey. On the largest of the Channel Islands you will watch vast rocky flats emerge from the sea at low tide.
Guernsey, Herm and Sark. Small islands with snug harbours where you learn to time your arrival precisely to the tide.
The north Brittany coast. Wild rocky cliffs and stone villages tucked into sandy bays – such as the fishing town of Paimpol.

Join with your own boat

You can book a place on board as an individual, or join our flotilla with your own boat and crew. In that case you are responsible for your boat and crew yourselves, but you have an experienced NYS instructor who plans each leg for you and helps wherever needed. Ideal for sailors with skippering experience who would rather not take on tidal waters alone.

Mile-building cruises with NYS

Mile-building cruises are a core part of sail training at NYS Sailing School, an RYA Training Centre. We choose each destination for what you will learn there – and Brittany and the Channel Islands, with the largest tides in Europe, are the ideal place to train tidal navigation.

Sailing route

Channel Islands Tidal training – route map

Information & terms

Duration: 1 week (Saturday–Friday)
Sailing area: northern Brittany and the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey), English Channel
Route: Saint-Malo – Jersey – Guernsey and the small islands of Herm and Sark – back to the north Brittany coast, e.g. Paimpol – along the coast to Saint-Malo. The route is for guidance only; the exact plan depends on the weather and the crew.
Possible stops: Saint-Malo – Granville – Îles Chausey – Gorey (Jersey) – St Helier (Jersey) – Cherbourg – Alderney – Sark – St Peter Port (Guernsey) – Morlaix – Trébeurden – Tréguier – Binic – Saint-Cast-le-Guildo – Saint-Malo
Embarkation: Saturday morning, Saint-Malo (you can come on board on Friday evening)
End of cruise: Friday afternoon, Saint-Malo
Getting there: fly to Paris and take the train to Saint-Malo, or fly to Rennes or Dinard
Expected conditions: tidal range of 10–12 m, tidal streams of up to 10 knots
Suitable for: both experienced and less experienced sailors – bring your partners and friends
Miles: logged, count as tidal waters towards RYA qualification requirements
Price includes: yacht charter and instructor
Price does not include: travel to the start, shared crew kitty (food, fuel, marina fees), travel insurance
Language: Cruises are led by Slovak or Czech instructors; at least basic English is recommended
Documents: passport and an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter Jersey and Guernsey
What to bring: warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers, sturdy deck shoes

FAQ

Do I need sailing experience?

No. The cruise suits both experienced and less experienced sailors, and everyone takes part according to their skills.

Do the miles count as tidal waters for RYA courses?

Yes. The miles are logged and count as tidal miles towards the requirements for further RYA courses and exams.

Is the route fixed?

No. The itinerary is for guidance; the exact plan depends on the weather and on the crew and skipper.

What documents do I need?

A passport and an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter Jersey and Guernsey.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

In Saint-Malo, reachable by train from Paris or by air via Rennes or Dinard.

General questions about our cruises →