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Ferries are a great, fuss-free mode of transport and a far more eco-friendly way to get to the other side of the English Channel than taking a flight. But do you know what’s even better for the planet? A boat powered by wind alone. And now, members of the public can get to France via exactly that.
SailLink launched ran its very first public trips across the Channel last year, with 70 percent of its journeys powered by sail only. Now, it’s gearing up for a second season.
The company’s 17 metre sailing catamaran (named Echoes) takes up to 12 passengers across the Channel from Dover to Boulogne-ser-de-Mer and vice versa. Each way, the trip takes around for to five hours – not much longer than if you were to get the ferry to Calais then take public transport down to Boulogne.
For its second season, SailLink will run between six and eight trips per week. It’s particularly aimed towards cyclists, hikers and foot passengers or micro-freight service for the climate-neutral transport of small quantities of goods. Obviously, if you want to bring your car on holiday, you’ll have to stick to a standard ferry.
Passengers are invited to get involved in the sailing themselves, taking the helm or helping to trim a sail. Alternatively you can stay nice and relaxed spread out on the forward trampoline or in the saloon below deck. On TripAdvisor, the journey has five-star ratings across the board. Travellers said that they were kept warm and hydrated with cups of tea and supplied with sea sickness tablets if needed.
At the French and British borders, passengers are able to swap the normal crowds and long queues for what SailLink says is a relaxed five-minute exchange. You simply have your passport checked by the relevant authority right by the boat itself. And allons-y!
SailLink founder Andrew Simons said: ‘We have proven that passengers are eager to put adventure back into their journey. This season is about taking that success to the next level. We are standardising our procedures to open this unique experience to a wider audience.
‘Our vision is simple: if we can make low-carbon transport viable today with our current set-up, we pave the way for purpose-built vessels in the near future. We are demonstrating how to harness the Strait's exceptional wind resources for naturally obvious connections.’
SailLink’s second season will kick off on April 16 and trips are available to book now. A one-way fare is £85 for adults over 26, £65 for ages 17 to 24, £45 for ages 11 to 16 and £30 for kids aged five to 10.
Did you see that the UK could be getting a direct ferry to Norway for the first time in 18 years?
Plus: A £130 billion new high-speed rail line could connect nine British and Irish cities.
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