I would second the advice from barry. We got back from Cherbourg tonight at around 8:30 in a Targa 27 I made a bad call & should have turned back but didn't. One of the worst crossings I've made. (Broken shower head, t.v aeriel ripped off radar arch, 3 mtrs rubbing strake forced off, lots of water in bilge & cabin (Sink tap turned on by flying cabin contents) & thats only after a quick look tonight.
Don't mean to stick my nose in but would like to advise any inexperienced boaters to think atleast twice before going if its any more than a slight sea.