Crossing the English Channel | Return trip: Portsmouth – Jersey & Guernsey

6 October – 12 October 2025 | $1990

*NEW TRIP* 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Join us on expedition yacht SV Sea Dragon for an exhilarating 6-day sailing expedition exploring the beautiful Channel Islands. This adventure combines offshore sailing experience with the opportunity to discover the unique charm and rich history of Guernsey and Jersey. Perfect for sailors looking to gain valuable cross-channel experience and nautical miles while enjoying these culturally distinct islands with their blend of British and French influences.

This expedition offers the perfect balance of sailing challenges and island exploration, from the stunning coastal cliffs to the historic fortifications that tell tales of occupation and resilience.

What sets this voyage apart is the rare opportunity for each guest crew member to take full responsibility for a 60-nautical-mile coastal passage. Under the supervision of our Yachtmaster Ocean-certified skippers, you’ll plan the route, lead the navigation, manage the crew, and take the helm—providing a true command experience. This qualifies as a skippered passage for those working toward RYA Day Skipper, Yachtmaster Coastal, or Offshore certifications, and we’re happy to sign logbooks and issue a certificate of sea time upon request.

You’ll also get to:

• Navigate across the English Channel busy shipping lanes – a bucket list item for all sailors!
• Plan around significant tidal ranges
• Experience proper offshore sailing
• Handle night sailing and watch systems
• Refine sail trim and boat handling in varied conditions
• Deepen your skills in weather routing, navigation, and passage planning
• Build real-world confidence in a dynamic, supportive environment

Sailing with Panexplore means learning by doing—at sea, with professionals who’ve crossed oceans and led expeditions in some of the world’s most remote waters. This is not your typical sailing experience. It’s an immersive, empowering learning journey designed to fast-track your confidence on the water.

Please note that this sailing adventure requires you to be in good physical health and reasonably fit. Activities involve moderate to strenuous exertion, including extended hours awake and difficult physical environment to evolve in. If you have any medical conditions, recent injuries, concerns about your fitness level, or answer “yes” to any of the questions in the medical form, please contact us before booking. We take safety very seriously.

Key Details

• Distance: Approx. 250 nautical miles (round trip)
• Cost: $1,990
• Date: Oct 6 – Oct 12, 2025 (7 Days, 6 Nights)
• Start: Portsmouth Harbour, England
• End: Portsmouth Harbour, England

For more details on the trip, please explore the drop down menus at the bottom of the page.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome aboard in Portsmouth Marina
Arrive at SV Sea Dragon between 1500–1700. Meet your crew, settle in, and join the expedition briefing. We’ll review the passage plan and weather for the Channel crossing.

Day 2: Safety Briefings & Departure
After thorough safety and vessel briefings, we set sail from Portsmouth, heading south across the English Channel toward Guernsey. This leg offers hands-on experience with offshore navigation, shipping lanes, and tidal planning. Depending on conditions, we may sail overnight or stop along the coast.

Day 3: Arrive – St. Peter Port, Guernsey
Clear customs and explore Guernsey’s charming capital. Visit Castle Cornet, wander Regency-era streets, and sample local seafood and famed Guernsey dairy. We’ll overnight in the harbor or at anchor.

Day 4: Sail to Jersey
A shorter sail today as we head to St. Helier, Jersey. This leg focuses on coastal navigation and managing strong tides and currents. On arrival, we’ll explore the harbor town, rich with both British and French influence.

Day 5: Explore Jersey & Prepare for Return
Spend the morning discovering Jersey—perhaps the Jersey War Tunnels or a walk along the coast. In the afternoon, we’ll prepare for our return, reviewing weather and planning the passage.

Day 6-7: Return – Portsmouth
Cross the Channel back to Portsmouth, putting all you’ve learned into practice. After securing the boat and a final cleanup, disembark by 1100, taking with you valuable miles and a deepened appreciation for the Channel Islands.

Note: This itinerary is weather-dependent, and we’ve built in flexibility with a few days on either side for the passages between Falmouth and the Isles of Scilly to ensure safe and comfortable sailing conditions.

The deposit is only $500. It’s non-refundable. If you can no longer make it, or if we need to cancel or modify the trip, we will either refund your deposit or apply it to a different trip. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the trip begins. Please review the crew contract.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact us. You can also schedule a call with us too.