Three yachts with pupils and staff from Hurst and St John’s School set off for an 80 mile sail across the Channel on Saturday, arriving in Alderney in the evening. For most of the crew this was their first Channel crossing and they learned a great deal about sailing, navigation and themselves from the experience. On Sunday, everyone enjoyed a walk around the island of Alderney, visiting the beaches, the German Second World War emplacements and the Napoleonic forts. In the afternoon, the yachts set off for a leisurely 20 mile cruise to Cherbourg. After an excellent supper on board, everyone retired to bed early to prepare for the early morning start on Monday. Leaving Cherbourg at 0400, the yachts sailed north to England, enjoying a good breeze for sailing a comfortable seas. As they approached England, the weather improved to glorious sunshine, and the yachts all returned to the River Hamble in the late afternoon. Everyone returned home having successfully sailed 180 miles and all feeling tired but refreshed by the experience.
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