• First Impressions - a really fast crossing time, a slick operation and no need to run to the expense of a cabin. Leave Portsmouth at 8.00 AM (local time), and you can be setting up camp in La Sarthe around 4.00 PM - and that even includes a leisurely stop for lunch (and sticking to French speed limits, naturally!)

• The Port - n/a

• Embarkation - pretty smooth. The crew are obviously well-versed in handling the large volume of traffic that Le Mans brings to the cross Channel ferries. Even for low-slung vehicles, getting on and off is a doddle.

• Comfort - fine for such a short crossing. Airliner-style reclining seats.

• Facilities - a small duty free small, and a couple of snack bars (both of which serve alcohol).

• The Journey - crossing time was approximately 3 and a half hours.

• Disembarkation - being a vessel constructed primarily from aluminium, the sound of some of the more exotic cars being fired up on the car deck just prior to disembarkation has to be heard to be believed!!

• Value - n/a

• Overall - if your time is limited, and/or your making a last minute dash down to Le Mans, this way of getting across the big wet bit that you can't park on takes some beating.

If you have any questions on getting the right route, please visit our forum where you can learn more about how many of our members get across the wet bit on their way to Sarthe!