Thanx for the replies
Mandy and Kirsty SWMBO and daughter! sorry for the poor introduction, Sol, any reason in particular why the boat not up to making a crossing,Hull config?..engine power? curious to know??
I would like to do the shortest possible crossing (18 miles is it???)
The reason I want to do it is basically to see if it's something I would continue to enjoy doing, as you say at some time in the future with a larger craft.
Apart from the obvious in distance and tides what makes a trip like this more difficult, when I can comfortably do a crossing in the Gulf of st tropez about 7-8 miles?
Weather window opportunities do present themseleves on the channel, that would be a right time right place situation, ideal flat calm seas.

There is only so many times you can drive up and down Windemere/L.Lomond without getting stalled, so I want to see what else boating has to offer me,
Exams, courses etc.etc. fine, I don't have a problem doing them, but I don't want to enrol Mandy and I on hundreds of ŁŁŁ's of tuition if we don't enjoy going out to sea. My apologies if that appears selfish!.

Someday my ship will come in, and with my luck I'll be at the airport!!