A new eco-friendly travel option is emerging across the English Channel, as British startup SailLink offers passenger crossings powered largely by wind. Its 17-metre catamaran, Echoes, carries up to 12 passengers between Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer, completing the journey in four to five hours depending on weather. The service aims to reduce emissions by relying on wind and tidal energy instead of conventional fuel.

Now in its second full season, the company is seeing growing demand after launching commercially in 2025. Founder Andrew Simons says the goal is to demonstrate that sail-powered passenger travel can be both sustainable and commercially viable. Around 70% of crossings in its first season were fully wind-powered, though engines are occasionally used during low-wind conditions or while leaving harbours.

Tickets cost about £85 one way, with extra fees for bicycles, and the service has already carried hundreds of passengers. Unlike traditional ferries, SailLink operates from town-centre marinas with onboard passport checks, offering a simpler and more relaxed experience. Passengers also get a hands-on sailing experience, making the journey not just transport but a closer connection to nature.

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