A bit miffed with Alderney

[colhel]

Called earlier in the day to be told they'd have room for us, called back again at around 17.45 when we were about 30 mins away, no answer. No answer on VHF either. Entered the harbour and found no bouys free, still no response on phone or radio. As we were unsure on the rafting rules and not wanting to leave the boat anchor, made our way to guernsey arriving at midnight, a bit tired. Reason for my miffedness is, they could have left an answer phone message to say they were full, or better still manned the phone or radio till 20.00 as it says in the Almanac meaning we could have diverted to somewhere else sooner.

 

[chubby]

Surprised no buoys free as plenty of space in Cherbourg but glad we avoided Alderney as would have hoped for a buoy well under the breakwater and rafting no fun if rough

 

[Fox Morgan]

Surprised no buoys free as plenty of space in Cherbourg but glad we avoided Alderney as would have hoped for a buoy well under the breakwater and rafting no fun if rough

Alderney, it's dead simple,

You can't pre book anything, you just have to get there and hope there's a free buoy. If not, Choose a boat similarly sized and raft up to them , taking a line to the buoy as well.

The main thing, is be relaxed, don't expect anything and you wont be disappointed.

The chips at the place just up the road on the corner are worth the channel crossing everytime. And the lady on the taxi boat is lovely.

 

[[70521]]

We just normally rock up and either pick up a buoy or drop the anchor never been a problem, but I spend quite a lot of time at anchor.

 

[prv]

You can't pre book anything, you just have to get there and hope there's a free buoy. If not, Choose a boat similarly sized and raft up to them , taking a line to the buoy as well.

Certainly I wouldn't expect to pre-book anything in Alderney, it's not that kind of place, and I have no desire for it to change. But I also don't think I'd fancy rafting on the buoys there, not with some of the rocking and rolling we've had before.

Fortunately I have an anchor that I trust and there's plenty of space in the bay...

Pete

 

[colhel]

We neither tried or expected to pre book. I did expect the phone/radio to be answered.

 

[Robin]

Surprised no buoys free as plenty of space in Cherbourg but glad we avoided Alderney as would have hoped for a buoy well under the breakwater and rafting no fun if rough

Unless things have changed, being well under the breakwater is not best spot to be. take a look at pics in the Office of the swells breaking right over it at certain states of tide and there is or used to be a reverse current flow circulation near it that could hold you side on to swells incoming round the corner.

We would never raft up there either, risking damage to spreaders, mucho snatching, hull clanking etc. much better to anchor alone in peace. You do need confidence of course in your ground tackle and it's use..

 

[Fox Morgan]

yeah, wouldn't go rafting up if there's any swell running in. obvs.

 

[Robin]

yeah, wouldn't go rafting up if there's any swell running in. obvs.

Nor would most, but it can sneek up unexpectedly after you raft up:disgust:

 

[NDG]

Its not really a pre booking sort of place. It's a bit old fashioned and much better for it. Just anchor if it's full, it's perfectly ok.

 

[colhel]

We neither tried or expected to pre book. I did expect the phone/radio to be answered.

I repeat...

 

[Sailfree]

We anchore and the taxi driver while helpful was a bloke so not my type!

 

[LadyInBed]

much better to anchor alone in peace. You do need confidence of course in your ground tackle and it's use..

:encouragement:
The more you use it, the better you get at it

 

[Robin]

:encouragement:
The more you use it, the better you get at it

As the actress said to the bishop. :encouragement:

 

[Channel Sailor]

When a was there a month ago I took the last but one free buoy in the group along the breakwater. I noticed the visitor bouys over in the south east corner were all empty, and it was protected from wind an swell over there as well.

Helpful harbour master greeted us and took our bow line to thread it through the mooring bouy for use, because the rings are low in the water. There was space to anchor as well.

Many years ago I did have to raft up once. Care needed with position of spreaders, different styles of yacht or slightly different sizes of yachts works better are the mast would be in a different place. Also wipe some washing up liquid around the fender to stop them squeaking. All part of cruising.

Braye is one of my favourite places to visit, the bay and the beach are magnificent. But of course only go there when it is protected from the wind and swell.

 

[johnalison]

I had an epiphany some years ago when visiting Alderney and I realised that rafting is far more comfortable if the two (one hopes) boats are actually different sizes. If there is any movement, a large boat will scarcely notice the smaller boat. For the smaller boat, it is like tying to a harbour wall, so both are happy. The last time we went this I tried it out on an unsuspecting small boat, who were somewhat alarmed at the prospect. I made it clear that I regarded it as my responsibility to make sure that they were comfortable, and set out lines and springs accordingly. In the morning I think they accepted that I was right.

 

[Lucky Duck]

The buoy next to us was free around then (assuming you are referring to Friday)

What was concerning was that a number of the buoys appear to have dragged so some boats were touching around pub closing time

 

[mainsail1]

I would add a note of caution about anchoring. Much of the bottom is thin sand over rock and it is very easy to drag. Been there and done it, even with 50m+ of chain out.
And yes, I have noticed that the mooring buoys are not laid as well as they used to be and sometimes you get very close to your neighbour.

 

[[70521]]

I repeat...

You should have popped over to Sark, a few visitor buoys and nobody to reply on the radio.

 

[GHA]

I would add a note of caution about anchoring. Much of the bottom is thin sand over rock and it is very easy to drag. Been there and done it, even with 50m+ of chain out.

Only been a few times but never actually had a problem digging in secure there, google maps satellite makes finding the sand easy.