Yes. SailLink is a passenger sailing ferry between Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer, marina to marina, for foot passengers and cyclists. It is the first scheduled passenger sailing ferry on this route, carrying up to 12 passengers per crossing. The crossing takes around 4 to 5 hours depending on the wind, and you arrive right in the centre of town.

Yes. SailLink is built for cyclists crossing the Channel by bike. We carry up to 12 bikes per crossing, loaded as they are with no dismantling, and kept inside the catamaran sheltered from salt and spray. Bike space is £10 per bike, just add it to your booking. Whether you are riding the Avenue Verte, La Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) or cycling Dover to France, your bike travels with you.

A valid passport is mandatory for all crossings (validity +3 months).

Travelling to the UK? An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required to enter the UK.

Travelling to France? Check the official French government site for requirements.

SailLink is a small, open crossing: 12 passengers maximum, no terminal, no crowded car decks, no enclosed waiting halls. You board straight from the pontoon and spend the crossing in the fresh air, with a clear view of the horizon and the crew alongside you. For travellers who prefer space, calm and the outdoors over a large busy ferry, it is a very different way to cross the Channel.

Everyone reacts differently to the sea, so we cannot predict how each person will feel. What we can say is that our catamaran sails flat, unlike monohulls that heel (tilt), and that a stable platform, fresh air and a clear view of the horizon tend to help. If you know you are sensitive to motion, we recommend preparing as you would for any sea journey and bringing whatever usually works for you.

We can now welcome recognised assistance dogs (certified by a member of Assistance Dogs UK, ADI or ADEu), which travel free of charge. What you need depends on your direction of travel, and it is all set out on our assistance dogs page.

Pets and other dogs cannot travel with us yet. Welcoming recognised assistance dogs is a first step we are glad to have reached this year, after putting the cross-border procedure in place with the UK and French authorities, and we hope to open up to more dogs in the future.

Boarding involves a short climb of a few steps, and passengers need to be agile enough to board unassisted. If you have reduced mobility, please contact us in advance so we can assess feasibility together.

The meeting point is listed above. Check-in takes place directly next to the boat. The authorities come to you: no terminal, no waiting room. Documents are checked and passports stamped if necessary. It is fast, fluid, and happens entirely outdoors.

For late evening arrivals in Boulogne-sur-Mer, the French Border Police (PAF) may not always be present at the pontoon that evening, as they are deployed from Calais (night shifts are reduced).

If they are unable to meet us on arrival, you have two options:

• Go to Calais: travel to the Port of Calais to clear customs (approx. 30 min train + 15 min shuttle).
• Wait until morning: if the boat is sailing the next day, the police come for the departure. You simply return to the boat then to clear your passport, without travelling to Calais.

Rest assured, our crew knows this specific procedure and will guide you on arrival.

Sailing is an outdoor adventure, so dress accordingly: layers, a waterproof jacket, closed-toe flat shoes, a hat and sunscreen. A reusable water bottle is recommended.

There is no catering on board, so bring your own food for the crossing, a sandwich and a few snacks are ideal. Before you board, you can also stop at one of our partner cafés: Café Proqua in Boulogne for a takeaway, or The Salty Dog in Dover for coffee and homemade cakes.

Anything you can carry aboard is welcome.

Safety comes first. If conditions are unfavourable, we let you know as soon as possible. You then choose: reschedule, a full refund, or an alternative crossing. On rare occasions a crossing may also be moved if too few passengers are booked on that date, with the same choice of refund or transfer. As a small tip, we recommend flexible or refundable accommodation, and travel insurance, when you plan your trip.

• Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure.
• 14 to 7 days before: 50% refund.
• Less than 7 days: refund only if we resell the seat.
• Less than 24h: no refund.

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