Well we are back and it was great. I will post some pictures when I get them emailed over from my Dad.
We left on Tuesday morning from Southampton in some grey weather and headed to Yarmouth for fuel which was quick and easy in relation to the other thread posted on this site. Then out into the channel for the crossing over to Cherbourg. Good weather and light wind meant although a few largish swells we carried an average speed of around 38 knots. About 20 nm out of Cherbourg we were followed for a few mins by a French Police helicopter and then left alone for the final leg of our trip, however on arrival into Cherbourg we were greeted by a small rib manned by 4 French Customs Officers complete with side arms! They went through every locker and bag on the boat and went through our documents in great detail. All in all it took around an hour, but all was OK and we parted company with smiles. We did ask what on Earth we would smuggle into France from England which was met with knowing winks!!
Cherbourg marina was very hospitable although not very secure and I felt a little nervous leaving all that money floating on a dark pontoon with no cameras or gates, for peace of mind I removed the ensign in case it attracted further attention. We stayed in the marina hotel which was fine and drunk in the marina bar which was fine too, however we had a fantastic sea food meal in a restaurent called La Regence on the quayside, one of the best seafood meals I have ever had and very reasonable price too.
Early start next morning and as the fuel was only Euro 1.40 per litre we topped off the tanks before heading home. Because we bought fuel there was no charge the bearth for the night!
The run back was a little more lumpy with a fresh force 4/5 but it was on a stern so we carried a good speed and were back in the solent just after 10am, so into Lymington to buy a hatch that had been broken during our inspection the previous day and a couple of pints in the Kings Head, looked a little wierd hanging a round the pubs front door at 10.55am. Strangely enough there was no interest from any of our boarder security and we entered without any of the same security seen over the water.
From there over to the Folly for lunch then Cowes for further drinks before back to SDS and our taxi back to the airport.
On arrival home last night we were all tired, hungover and a little sore from some of the heavier landings but had a fanstastic time full of laughs and good memeories.
Thanks for all the help and advice giving by members of this site.
Ollie
