Adventure Factor: 4/5
Set sail on an epic summer adventure from Southampton to Gijón, Spain - with a stop in Brest, France along the way! Kick off the programme by crossing the English Channel before taking on the Bay of Biscay.
The journey begins with a 220 NM channel crossing from Southampton to the historic port city of Brest. After resting up in Brittany, you'll continue approximately 280 NM across the Bay of Biscay to Gijón on Spain's northern coast.
Prior sailing experience is recommended for this extended coastal and offshore passage, but adventurous newcomers are welcome. Be prepared for rough conditions and plenty of overnight sailing.
Soak up incredible sunsets, look for whales and dolphins, and experience sailing at night on this mult-leg coastal expedition hitting iconic sailing grounds.
Depart: Southampton, July 1st
Arrive: Brest, July 3rd (Weather dependent!)
Arrive: Gijon, July 6th
Luke is the vice-commodore of sailing and organizes the Cambridge University Yacht Club's summer programme. Sailing is a huge passion of his, and he loves being able to share that passion with others at CUYC. Luke is a skipper for the club with RYA Yachtmaster certification. He has experience ranging from cruising and inshore/offshore racing to weekend trips around the English coast and longer voyages to places like France, the Netherlands, and Norway. Luke also represents Cambridge on the blues race team through inshore and offshore racing events as well as the annual varsity regatta. With his sailing expertise and enthusiasm for being on the water, Luke is excited to lead the club's summer sailing programme.
Apart from the trip cost you pay when you sign up, there will also be expenses for food, marinas and diesal during the week. These will be sorted out on the trip via the Splitwise app, and usually come around to £100. You must also pay for your own transport to and from the handover marina.
The trip will start from Southampton so you can get the train there and then fly back from Gijon.
See the "What to Bring" tab for the full list, but bring warm clothing, seasickness remedies if needed, sleeping bag, personal items, passport, and a spirit of adventure!