Cross Channel Sailing August 2026

Publish date:

Sailing trip update from Visa-GB! 🌅⛵

An early start with a lovely sunrise, but unfortunately today’s Cross-Channel crossing had to be aborted due to a lack of wind.

Currently south of the Isle of Wight, the team is heading into Chichester for the night. The current plan is to potentially go for Cherbourg tomorrow, with another attempt at the crossing slated for Friday or Saturday. Stay tuned!

HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and HMS Prince of Wales (R09).

The Photo above shows the Royal Navy’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers docked together at HMNB Portsmouth:

  • Vessels: HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and HMS Prince of Wales (R09).

  • Class: Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier.

  • Displacement: ~65,000 tonnes each.

  • Length: 280 metres (920 ft).

  • Key Features:

    • Twin-Island Superstructure: The forward island is dedicated to ship navigation and bridge operations, while the aft island manages air traffic control and flight deck operations.

    • Flight Deck: Designed for STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) operations, primarily operating Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth multirole fighters and Merlin helicopters, featuring an upward-angled ski-jump ramp at the bow.

    • Propulsion: Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) powered by two Rolls-Royce Marine Trent MT30 gas turbines and four diesel generator sets.