UK: The Solent & Channel Islands
Cowes Week, Jersey, Guernsey, and the English Channel by superyacht
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Embarkation
- Southampton (Ocean Village Marina)
- Disembarkation
- Southampton (Ocean Village Marina)
- Best season
- June – September
- Total distance
- 200 NM
Overview
The Solent and Channel Islands offer a yacht charter experience that combines British maritime heritage with French-influenced island culture. From the sailing mecca of Cowes to the dramatic cliffs of Jersey and the car-free paradise of Herm, this 7-day itinerary showcases the best of the English Channel.
Highlights
- Cowes — world sailing capital
- Jersey's dramatic coastline
- Guernsey's Victor Hugo heritage
- Herm — car-free island paradise
- Sark — the Dark Sky Island
- Needles on the Isle of Wight
Day by day
Day 1: Southampton & Cowes
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Morning: Board at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton. Cruise across the Solent to Cowes, the world capital of sailing.
Afternoon: Explore Cowes — the Royal Yacht Squadron, the sailing heritage trail, and the boutiques along the High Street. Visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria's seaside palace.
Evening: Dinner at The Hut in Colwell Bay, a stylish beach restaurant with views across the Solent.
Day 2: The Needles & South Coast
Cowes → The Needles · 15 nm
Morning: Cruise along the north coast of the Isle of Wight to the Needles — three iconic chalk stacks rising from the sea.
Afternoon: Continue along the south coast, anchoring at Ventnor or Sandown for swimming. The chalk cliffs and hidden coves are beautiful.
Evening: Anchor in a sheltered bay and enjoy a traditional English dinner aboard — locally caught lobster and Isle of Wight wines.
Day 3: Channel Crossing to Jersey
The Needles → Jersey · 65 nm
Morning: Early departure for the Channel crossing to Jersey. Enjoy breakfast as the English coast fades behind you.
Afternoon: Arrive in St. Helier and explore Jersey's capital — the Central Market, Liberation Square, and Elizabeth Castle. Drive to the dramatic north coast cliffs.
Evening: Dinner at Longueville Manor, Jersey's finest country house hotel restaurant, set in 18 acres of gardens.
Day 4: Jersey Exploration
Jersey
Morning: Visit the Jersey War Tunnels, a powerful reminder of the German Occupation during WWII. Explore the medieval Mont Orgueil Castle.
Afternoon: Beach day at St. Brelade's Bay, Jersey's finest beach. Visit the Jersey Lavender Farm and the Eric Young Orchid Foundation.
Evening: Dinner at Mark Jordan at the Beach, a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking St. Peter's Bay.
Day 5: Guernsey — Victor Hugo's Island
Jersey → Guernsey · 25 nm
Morning: Cruise to Guernsey, passing the dramatic Les Écréhous reef. Arrive in St. Peter Port, one of the prettiest harbours in the British Isles.
Afternoon: Visit Hauteville House, Victor Hugo's home during his 15-year exile. Explore the cobbled streets of St. Peter Port and Castle Cornet.
Evening: Dinner at Le Nautique, a waterfront restaurant in a converted warehouse overlooking the harbour.
Day 6: Herm & Sark — Island Gems
Guernsey → Herm · 5 nm
Morning: Short cruise to Herm, a tiny car-free island with pristine Shell Beach — white sand made of millions of tiny shells.
Afternoon: Continue to Sark, the 'Dark Sky Island' — no cars, no street lights, just horse-drawn carriages and bicycle paths. Explore La Seigneurie gardens and the dramatic cliff paths.
Evening: Return to Guernsey for dinner at The Old Government House Hotel, with views over the harbour.
Day 7: Return to Southampton
Guernsey → Southampton · 70 nm
Morning: Depart Guernsey for the return Channel crossing. Enjoy a leisurely brunch aboard as you cruise north.
Afternoon: Arrive back in the Solent and cruise past the historic naval base at Portsmouth. Dock at Ocean Village Marina.
Evening: Farewell dinner at The Jetty in Southampton, or disembark for your onward journey.
Sailors · History Buffs · Foodies · Nature Lovers