Sailing Across the English Channel from Dover to Boulogne sur Mer with SailLink

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Andrew Simons, founder and skipper of SailLink, is a man with a vision – to set up a regular ferry service using a sailing catamaran crossing the English Channel that connects people, places and nature uniquely. He has found a way of reinventing sustainable travel using a combination of the wind and modern technology.

Fortunately, a sufficient number of private investors shared his vision, and he was able to set up SailLink and acquire Echoes, a sailing catamaran designed for the open ocean that has both engine power and sails. Catamarans are more stable at sea than single-hull boats and offer a more comfortable crossing for their passengers.

The maximum number of passengers for each crossing, Dover to Boulogne or Boulogne to Dover, is twelve. Bikes are also welcome. Recognised assistance dogs can travel free with their owner, but only one per sailing, so passengers should check both availability and whether their dog qualifies, as emotional support dogs do not qualify. Everything about this journey is easy. Book online and turn up at the jetty to board Echoes an hour before sailing time.

Once a passenger has booked a journey, they receive a ticket with a welcome from Andrew, the skipper, and some very useful advice. It details the meeting point and boarding time and a telephone number to contact the company on the day of travel in case of problems. Other practical advice includes reminders to bring a valid passport and, for foreign nationals, the need to acquire an ETA. There is also some helpful information regarding suitable clothing. However hot and sunny it may be in either Dover or Boulogne, it can get really cold mid-Channel, so extra warm clothing is recommended. Life jackets are provided and must be worn throughout the journey.

As passengers arrive, luggage and bikes are stored in the seating area inside while passengers congregate in the covered seating area at the back of the boat. They are requested to remain here until the catamaran has left the harbour and the sails have been hoisted; then they are free to move around the boat. This is a good opportunity to engage with fellow passengers – all part of the fun of this adventure.

Before departing the skipper will brief passengers regarding safety on the boat. Paramount is the wearing of life jackets at all times and clipping the lanyards to ropes and rails when moving around the boat. Hot drinks and water are available on request and the crew will also include passengers when making drinks for themselves. Bring your own picnic for the journey.

Passengers are invited to help the crew hoist the sails and once underway will socialise with everyone. Although the crossing can take four to five hours, the time passes very quickly. Some passengers like to socialise; others will find a space to relax and enjoy the experience – when the only noise is the sound of the sea slapping gently against the hull, the murmur of conversation and the whispering of the wind. No phones, no iPads, no laptops – just nature.

The ideal crossing is under sail all the way from Dover to Boulogne, but all crossings are weather dependent and rely on the wind blowing in the right direction – if there is any wind. As the catamaran is motorised, conditions may demand the use of engines but the crew do their best to ensure they do as much sailing as possible. Either way it is still a very enjoyable experience as the engines are very quiet. Professional and safety conscious, the skipper would never put his passengers at risk by sailing in unfavourable conditions.

The excitement of spotting land on the horizon is tangible, and the warmth on regaining the shelter it offers is very welcome. On arrival at the jetty in Boulogne, the only formality is the checking of passports, which is done by the French police. They may already be waiting on the jetty or passengers may have to wait for their arrival – but once passports have been checked everyone is free to start their stay in France. There are no formalities at all when arriving in Dover due to a unique arrangement the company has with UK Border Control.

I have done both crossings and experienced different weather conditions – but both were equally enjoyable. And it was so easy, I just turned up at the jetty and boarded the boat. No squeezing liquids into 100 ml containers to get through security! The conditions for my first crossing were perfect.

It was a very hot day in Dover but once we were out of the harbour the wind was blowing in the right direction, and we were under sail all the way until we approached the harbour at Boulogne. The police were waiting for us but just checked our passports and then we were free to leave the jetty. I stayed in Boulogne that night and then spent the next day exploring Calais (accessible by train) before sailing back the following day. As there was very little wind for this crossing, from Boulogne to Dover, we had to use motor power some of the time but we also sailed as much as possible and it was still an amazing experience – meeting new people and just sitting back and relishing the joy of being at sea. Any apprehensions about sea-sickness were soon banished thanks to the stability of the boat. 

Taking Photos from Echoes the SailLink Catamaran

BOOK YOUR CROSSING HERE –  The sailing season is April to mid-September (weather dependent).