Katlaughing - maybe we could tie some old oil drums to them and float them across. How about the 1st Transatlantic Caravan/Raft race. No vans under 20 years old, no camels (sorry BillD), no outboard motors the only motive power to be provided by an outstretched awning.

The voyage could be enlivened by tasks to be performed en route (that's your actual French for on route) such as gas bottle changing in a swell, porta-potti emptying in a force 7 and pegging down an awning.

Thinking about it, most folky caravanners do this on an average festival weekend anyway.