1st Cruise Abroad

[PeteSmith]

Hi

Im planning a first trip to either France or Channel Islands, as weve never ventured across the channel before, has anyone got any advice on the best place to go for a 1st trip.
We are going from the Brighton area and were planning for a weekend trip.
Also any advice on the required paperwork & customs proceedures?

Ta

Pete
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[codprawn]

If you are going for just a weekend you may as well go to the Channel Islands - there is more than enough to keep you occupied. Just beware of the huge tides and the nasty rocks. No need for a passport either.

To check the exact weather you will get on the crossing look at this

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research.../maws_pic.html

You can see what the wave height etc is mid channel.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by PeteSmith

Also any advice on the required paperwork & customs proceedures?

Have a look here and don't worry too much about customs! You're supposed to "clear" but it's all very informal for small vessels. UK-France-UK is in the EU, so free passage of people and goods and all that. If you leave the EU (ie Channel Islands) then it's legally different, but in practise all very relaxed.

Alderney is a highly recommended destination (bit further for you than us) - take you driving licence as you may find it useful to hire a Mini-Moke to explore.

Mike C recently posted some details of a cruise he did from Dover to Le Touquet which may be of interest to you. See here: http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14778