When I crossed the English Channel in 2012, I did so with a support boat. This boat had a professional crew and was well equipped with radar, spending the whole voyage on look out, ready to act if necessary. The English Channel around Calais and Dover is potentially a very dangerous place, with about 400 ships a day passing at speed up and a comparatively small stretch of water. The weather can change very rapidly, increasing the associated risks.
Migrants in a dinghy near Calais in August 2018
Halfway across, I passed through two standing waves, created by the huge container ships that plough up and down relentlessly. I was swamped by these waves, but PicoMicroYacht is quickly self-draining, so I was able to carry on. I also ran into unexpected fog and my safety depended on the radar system of my support boat.
In recent years, more and more people have been trying to cross the Channel in small boats, unsupported. This is extremely dangerous and, if it continues, will likely end in tragedy.
Sadly the law has had to change and even supported boats were not allowed to cross from 2013 onwards, for very good reasons. PicoMicroYacht was likely the last single person rowing boat to cross the English Channel.
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