The English Channel is one of the busiest stretches of water in the world, and one of the most carbon-heavy. But one company is pioneering passenger ferry crossings between the UK and France that are much kinder on the environment – powered almost exclusively by wind.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SailLink currently runs one sail-powered ferry between Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer. Now, it is launching a one-week pilot route between Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex and Fécamp in Normandy. If the trial crossings go well, a permanent second route could follow.
The crossing is a far cry from the usual car ferry services. Instead of duty-free shops and soulless cabins, passengers can sit on deck feeling the wind and salt spray with views of the White Cliffs of Dover. Here’s how to book your experience on board.
A greener ferry link across the Channel
SailLink’s vessel is an 18-metre sailing catamaran skippered by Michel Desjoyeaux, a two-time winner of the Vendée Globe, one of sailing's toughest solo races, with SailLink's founder, Andrew Simons, alongside him.
The catamaran is built from recycled ocean-racing parts, including the mast and rudders from Desjoyeaux's former IMOCA 60 race boat.
It’s purpose-made for speed, with a 23-metre mast and 165 square metres of sail, while its cockpit is spacious enough to comfortably carry foot passengers.
Last year, SailLink, which is self-funded, carried 465 passengers and 135 bikes across the Dover-Boulogne route. Nearly 70% of those crossings were completed by sail alone, with the engines kicking in only when the wind drops or in harbours.
How to book your space on board
The trial crossings link Shoreham-by-Sea and Fécamp, two town centre marinas as opposed to big ferry terminals. They will run from 8-13 September 2026, with crossings alternating direction.
The catamaran has the capacity for up to 12 passengers and eight bikes per sailing.
Cycling tourists are particularly encouraged as the route connects directly to the National Cycle Route 2 and the Downs Link path in England and La Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) and the GR21 coastal path along the Alabaster Coast in France.
While the timetable is still to be finalised, the crossing time will be roughly eight hours, weather permitting, and passport control is handled dockside at both ports.
Fares are £220 (€256) one-way and £440 (€513) return. It will cost £10 (€12) to bring a bike. Tickets can be purchased from the SailLink website.