SailLink: Update For 2026

By Andrew on February 7, 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

Last year I was contacted by cycle tourist Helen Rivers. She was keen to tell me about a new ‘ferry’ service that had been set up for pedestrians and cyclists travelling across the English Channel. Helen and her husband Ben subsequently appeared on The Cycling Europe Podcast to talk about their extensive experiences of cycling in Europe over many years. It is the episode that was published towards the end of January 2026, episode 98. However, as a result of Helen’s initial contact with me, I contacted SailLink and I included an interview with Andrew Simons, the skipper of the SailLink boat, in episode 91 of The Cycling Europe Podcast.

Here is what Andrew had to say:

This week I recieved an update from SailLink about their plans for 2026:

SailLink doubles frequency for 2026: The Cross-Channel ferry adventure scales up

SailLink, the pioneer of eco-adventurous cross-Channel travel, announces the launch of its second season on April 16th, 2026. Following a highly successful inaugural year, the sailing ferry operator is doubling its crossing frequency, proving that wind-powered transport is not just a dream, but a viable, stress-free reality between the UK and France.

From concept to standard: mastering the wind

Building on a 2025 season that carried over 450 travellers with an impressive 70% sail-only success rate, 2026 marks a turning point. With technical improvements to the 57ft catamaran ECHOES, a dedicated professional crew, and optimised navigation strategies, SailLink aims to push the wind-powered ratio even higher. The goal is clear: to establish the wind as a reliable engine for scheduled transport.

“We have proven that passengers are eager to put adventure back into their journey” says Andrew Simons, Founder of SailLink. “This season is about taking that success to the next level. We are standardising our procedures to open this unique experience to a wider audience. Our vision is simple: if we can make low-carbon transport viable today with our current set-up, we pave the way for purpose-built vessels in the near future. We are demonstrating how to harness the Strait’s exceptional wind resources for naturally obvious connections.”

The “zero-queue” border experience

As new cross-Channel border formalities take effect in 2026, SailLink offers a rare luxury: stress-free border checks. Like other operators, SailLink is proactively collaborating with the UK Border Force and the French Police aux Frontières to put the procedures into place. But unlike the large and congested transport terminals, SailLink’s small-scale capacity (12 passengers) at decentralised locations naturally allows for a swift and personal border process. Therefore, by avoiding the crowds, SailLink transforms border control from a congested huddle through several stages into a relaxed 5-minute exchange.

More than a crossing: a shared adventure

Feedback from 2025 highlighted “conviviality” as the service’s greatest asset. In 2026, SailLink continues to protect what matters most: the human connection.

What’s new for the 2026 season

Official Geopark ambassador: With the “Cross-Channel Geopark” vying for UNESCO status, SailLink becomes the natural link between the geologically mirrored cliffs of Kent and the Côte d’Opale.

Daily schedules: Increased rotation offers greater flexibility for cyclists, hikers, and foot passengers looking for a day trip or a longer stay.

Low-carbon freight: SailLink introduces a micro-freight service (up to 1 tonne), offering a unique, zero-emission transport solution for premium goods and sustainable brands.

Partnerships & team building: New active partnerships at destinations and exclusive team-building experiences on board.

Bookings for the 2026 season are now open. Schedules and tickets: www.saillink.co.uk

A solitary sailboat gliding across a calm sea during sunset, surrounded by soft, reflective waters and a cloudy sky.

A group of five cyclists stand by their bikes on a boat dock, with one person on the boat looking towards them. The setting includes a concrete wall covered in green algae and a clear sky in the background.

Image credits: SailLink

If you’d like to listen to the whole of episode 91, you can find all the links in the following post:

The Cycling Europe Podcast: Episode 091 – Cycling Solo… Or With A Friend? / Saillink

If you’d like to listen to the interview with Helen and Ben Rivers in the most recent episode of the podcast, here are the details:

The Cycling Europe Podcast: Episode 098 – Helen & Ben Rivers

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