21st – 24th July, 2019
Our annual summer cruise brings together our UK boat owners to venture across the channel to destinations they wouldn’t normally travel to on their own. With the support and expertise of a knowledgeable YachtMaster Skipper leading the way, backed by the Princess Motor Yacht Sales team, we enjoyed a 6-hour crossing to St Helier in Jersey.
A 48-hour delay due to bad weather meant our flotilla of 8 Princess yachts were able to leave at a more sensible time on Sunday, arriving into St Helier for 7.00pm ready for the opening of the marina gate. Cruising through calm seas, the flotilla was followed across the channel by a pod of dolphins, jumping between the waves and playing beneath the water. We were even spotted in the sky by a fellow Princess owner making her way to Jersey!
Hosted by our dealer partner, Princess Channel Islands, both our flotilla of Princess owners and their guests, plus owners from Jersey, enjoyed a welcome drinks reception in the marina. With the sun shining, live music, fizz and canapés, this was truly a great introduction to the island life. Over the few days we were in Jersey, we enjoyed activities including a trip to discover the history of the island at the Jersey War Tunnels and Military museum. We also visited Les Minquiers, the neighbouring islands of Jersey, where we powered through the calm waters on a jet rib with dolphins swimming alongside. On what was the hottest July day on record, we discovered traditional tastes of Jersey in the form of food and drink at the La Mare Wine Estate – this trip took us to the north of the island, where we could see the islands of Guernsey and Sark in the distance. At just 45 square miles, it doesn’t take long to find yourself at the other side of Jersey. Although a small island, we found that it certainly has a lot to offer.
On Tuesday evening, we hosted a very special farewell dinner at Longueville Manor, the island’s highest rated 5-star resort. In a private courtyard, our guests enjoyed cocktails before a divine 4-course meal, chatting over wine and reminiscing on the cruise. One thing to take away from these cruises is the confidence it brings to our owners, and this was apparent as a number of boats stayed on in Jersey to make the most of the week-long sunny weather before travelling back individually.
Returning home, we enjoyed another calm crossing, proving that all the planning in the world is overall decided by the weather, especially in boating. But, moving the cruise by just 48 hours made a world of difference to this year’s cruise.
For more information regarding our owner’s events, or to sign up to be the first to receive information for next year’s cruise, contact us on +44 (0)1489 557755 or email [email protected]
