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In the English Channel, cargo ships pass one after another, currents change direction rapidly, and sea conditions can shift in a matter of minutes. Yet it was in this environment that Erwan Jauffroy achieved a world first by crossing the strait on a hydrofoil, without a sail or an engine. The 104-mile voyage, completed in 8 hours and 8 minutes, took him from Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, to Cherbourg.
A crossing in which the foil is propelled solely by the energy of the waves
At first glance, the challenge seems difficult to understand. Yet the principle is relatively simple. Unlike wingfoiling, windsurfing, or kitesurfing, Erwan Jauffroy had no means of propulsion?no wing, no sail, and no electric motor.
His foil moved forward solely thanks to the energy contained in the swell generated by the wind. This technique, inspired by downwind foiling and ocean pumping, involves constantly harnessing the speed of the waves to keep the foil airborne above the water.
This maneuver requires constantly reading the waves. The rider must quickly shift their weight, choose the right swells, and maintain enough speed to avoid losing traction.
The English Channel, a much more challenging testing ground than the Mediterranean
After his crossing from Toulon to Calvi in 2024, Erwan Jauffroy set out to tackle a completely different environment.
The English Channel is home to some of the strongest currents in Europe. Added to this is one of the busiest maritime traffic separation schemes in the world, through which several hundred merchant ships pass each day. Choosing the right weather window therefore became just as important as the athlete?s physical abilities.
The route was planned in collaboration with Charles Caudrelier and Éric Peron to find the best balance between sea conditions, swell direction, wind, and current patterns. Even with this planning, the outcome of the attempt remained uncertain.
An average of 13 knots over nearly 104 miles
One of the most striking statistics from this crossing is the average speed.
With an average speed of 13 knots, Erwan Jauffroy sailed faster than many cruising yachts on the same course. Maintaining that pace for more than eight hours requires constant concentration. The slightest deviation from the course or loss of speed can cause the foil to lose lift, forcing him to start over.
In addition to this technical aspect, there is significant physical exertion involved. The legs are constantly working to control the foil, absorb the motion of the swell, and maintain balance.
Upon arrival, the sailor described the crossing as grueling?both mentally and physically.
A New Chapter for Long-Distance Foiling Crossings
At 42, Erwan Jauffroy is no stranger to nautical challenges. A former French windsurfing champion in 2004, and later the editor-in-chief of several specialized magazines dedicated to board sports for sixteen years, he has established himself in recent years as one of France?s leading experts on foiling through his YouTube channel.
With this crossing of the English Channel, he adds another milestone to his career following the Toulon-Calvi crossing completed in 2024.
Beyond the athletic achievement, this voyage demonstrates that an offshore crossing can now be completed using only wave energy, without sails or an engine. This demonstration pushes the boundaries of long-distance foiling even further.
