Crossing the English Channel to London and Back

Your Sailing Area

Rotterdam, The Netherlands to London

The voyage begins in the centre of Rotterdam, sailing past the city skyline and under the Erasmus Bridge. The route follows the Nieuwe Waterweg, a busy working waterway where large commercial ships move in and out of the harbour. The first afternoon is gentle, allowing time to get to know the boat, settle in on deck, and make a sailing plan for the crossing.

On the second day, the yacht sets out across the English Channel, a passage of around 140 nautical miles. Sailing here means navigating traffic separation zones, wind farms and commercial shipping lanes. The watch system runs in rotation, usually three hours on and six hours off, giving everyone time to rest. Nights at sea can be a highlight, with clear stars, radar screens glowing softly, and the quiet rhythm of the boat moving through the water.

Landfall is on the River Medway on the Kent coast. Once a centre of naval history, this quiet anchorage offers a calm pause after the crossing. From here, the voyage continues into the Thames, where the river gradually narrows and the London skyline rises ahead.

Don’t forget to look up as Cherokee sails beneath the iconic landmark of Tower Bridge.
Sailing through along the Thames in the heart of the city offers up an enviable view of the architecture and attractions along the banks, from the London Eye to Westminster and the neighbouring Elizabeth Tower housing the famous Big Ben bell.

Cherokee will moor in St Katharine Docks right in the centre of the city. After a good night’s sleep, spend a whole day in London. The docks sit within walking distance of the Tower of London, the South Bank, Borough Market and the riverside footpaths, offering easy access to explore the city on either side of the river. Wander through the historic Borough Market to the soundtrack of talented street musicians and let yourself be tempted by many culinary treats on offer from the food stalls filling the space. 

Before beginning the return passage, there is often a pause for the tide in Ramsgate. This well-sheltered harbour offers good facilities, easy access to fuel and supplies, and a short walk into the town. The waterfront is lined with Georgian terraces and traditional pubs, while the marina itself has a relaxed, local atmosphere. It’s a pleasant place to stretch your legs after time at sea, with a few small shops, cafés and fish-and-chip stalls scattered along the promenade. Walk out along the breakwater for views over the harbour entrance and across to the white cliffs of Kent before setting sail once more across the Channel.

The final crossing back to the Netherlands covers around 160 nautical miles, once again with watches through the night and the experience of navigating shipping lanes and coastal approaches.

Approaching Rotterdam feels different from any other part of the passage. After days at sea, the horizon shifts from low sky and open water to cranes, harbour walls and the outline of the city rising ahead. The Nieuwe Waterweg is busy, purposeful water, shared with cargo ships, pilot boats and inland barges, so the navigation feels focused and absorbing. Negotiating the shipping lines at night on the approach to Rotterdam’s industrial outer harbours is an unforgettable experience, guided by the constant chatter on the radio from vessel traffic control.

As Cherokee continues upriver, views of the Euromast, the high glass towers along the Maas, and finally the sweep of the Erasmus Bridge welcome this adventure yacht back to her home port. Passing beneath the Erasmus Bridge by water is a moment many sailors remember with the expanse of the city opening around you on both banks.

Sailing under the final bridge marks the change from the industrial-centric outer approach into the historic Oude Haven, where classic Dutch sailing ships line the quays and cafés spill out onto the waterside. Stepping ashore in the heart of Rotterdam, with the atmosphere of the old port all around, is a perfect place to disembark from this exciting passage crossing sailing holiday. 

Please note that the above schedule is subject to weather, wind, and tide. 

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Night-watches

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.