SailLink: Vendée Globe winner Desjoyeaux at the helm of a sailing ferry

​The operators of the SailLink sailing ferry are expanding their services. Following two successful seasons operating between Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer, the company plans to trial a second crossing of the English Channel for the first time in September. The service will be operated by an extraordinary high-performance catamaran, helmed by two-time Vendée Globe winner Michel Desjoyeaux.

SailLink takes travellers across the English Channel under sail. It’s not just about transport; it’s all about the experience. After two years of service on the route between Dover, England, and Boulogne-sur-Mer in France A second route is now set to demonstrate whether the concept can be applied economically to other routes: From 8 to 13 September 2026, SailLink will be offering several pilot sailings between Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, England, and Fécamp on the French side in Normandy, some 70 nautical miles away. The crossing takes around eight hours. Tickets will go on sale on the SailLink website from 1 August.

Second route following a successful launch

According to the company, 465 passengers used the crossings between Dover and Boulogne on the catamaran “Echoes”, a Lagoon 570S, during the first season. This service is specifically aimed at cycle tourists. Last year, a total of 135 bicycles were transported across the English Channel, with space provided for them in the saloon to keep them safe during the crossing. This eliminates the need to walk long distances through large ferry terminals.

Due to high demand, the number of weekly services for the 2026 season has been doubled. According to the company, around 70 per cent of each crossing was completed under sail. The engines are used in calm conditions, in harbour areas or for reasons of safety at sea. To raise SailLink’s profile, founder and skipper Andrew Simons now wants to expand the company’s services. Commenting on the pilot project between Shoreham and Fécamp, he says:

"The concept has proved its worth between Dover and Boulogne. These crossings will show whether a second corridor is suitable for this purpose. Fécamp was the most suitable port for this."

As on the existing route, the new project will also allow a maximum of twelve passengers per crossing. If there were 13 or more passengers, the ferry would be classified as a larger public transport vessel and would be required to call at large ferry terminals. Unlike traditional car ferries, border checks on SailLink take place directly at the jetties of the central city harbours, which the company uses for embarkation and disembarkation.

The Shoreham–Fécamp route offers cyclists new opportunities: on the British side, it connects with National Cycle Route 2 and the Downs Link. In France, the route leads directly to the coastal route La Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4).

A catamaran with an eventful history

The boat to be used on the new route is also likely to be of interest to many sailors. The 18-metre-long ‘Mer Agitée’ is an unusual mix of former offshore racing boats.

The floats come from the ORMA trimaran Gitana, the mast and rudder from Desjoyeaux’s former IMOCA yacht Foncia. With a mast around 23 metres high, a sail area of approximately 165 square metres and foils, the catamaran reaches speeds significantly higher than those of conventional cruising catamarans. At the same time, the spacious cockpit offers plenty of room for passengers.

This means the ship differs significantly from the Echoes, the passenger catamaran that operates on the route between Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer.

​Michel Desjoyeaux is at the helm of the catamaran

SailLink has managed to secure the services of one of France’s best-known offshore sailors for the trial phase. The catamaran “Mer Agitée” is being helmed by Michel Desjoyeaux, the only two-time winner of the Vendée Globe to date. The Frenchman won the non-stop solo round-the-world race in 2000/01 and 2008/09. Andrew Simons himself is part of the crew during the trial runs.

A project with a future?

According to SailLink, whether the six-day trial will lead to a permanent sail-powered ferry service between the two sides of the English Channel depends on demand, the findings from the trial runs, and cooperation with ports and authorities.

Whilst a ticket for the 4–5-hour sailing trip covering the 27 nautical miles between Boulogne-sur-Mer costs 85 pounds for an adult, the journey along the 70-nautical-mile route between Fécamp and Shoreham costs 220 pounds. There is a charge of £10 for taking a bicycle on board. A valid passport is required for the journey. Passengers who are not British nationals also require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.

Further information and booking options Website Ready.

Two minutes on board the Mer Agitée