Channel Island Advice

[dralex]

I haven't really explored the CIs very much and would love some suggestions for good places to go which are a bit off the beaten track, but will take 1.5m fin keel at alll states of tide. I don't mind if it's harbours, pontoons or anchorages. We have 2 weeks in September, so are crossing our fingers for the weather.

Thanks

Alex

<hr width=100% size=1>Life's too short- do it now./forums/images/icons/wink.gif<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by dralex on 11/08/2004 10:32 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Roberto]

Chausey a must imho, several anchoring spots, some very isolated, I will look if I can find the exact lat-long of a few

rob



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[bendyone]

Go to Sark, dry out in the harbour if you can or anchor in one of the bays nearby.

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[jimi]

We've just spent a week there and really enjoyed it. Whilst on Guernsey we wandered rounf to Fermain bay and had a meal at the beach cafe there and in the right weather it would be a lovely anchorage. Sark was not to be missed. On Herm we anchored at Rosslare steps. We did'nt stay overnight but the anchorage was surprisingly sheltered. Good luck and enjoy!

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[brianhumber]

A well as the normal Sark, Herm etc look at the winds and predicted swell forecast and try out some bays around Jersey and Guernsey. However the real musts are stopovers on the Erchou, Minikes and Chausey Islands. Loads of unspoilt bays and anchorages just you , the birds and seals in midweek.

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[Eccles]

Try and make it as far as Jersey - we tend to get overlooked! Come round to the East coast and stop at Gorey - you can dry against the harbour wall or stay afload out the back of the Harbour. It's and ideal place to hop over to Les Ecrehous and / or Cartert
see http:// [url]http://www.jersey-harbours.com/ [/url]

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[dralex]

Came to Jersey last time on the way to Brittany- I must say I was put off by St Helier. These are exactly the answers I'm looking for, ie I don't want to go back to the big places, but want to explore. I'll definately put Gorey on the itinery. Cheers.

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[robp]

Yes me too re St Helier and it put me off going back. But I'll look at Gorey next time I'm around there.

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[Eccles]

Robp / Dralex

Out of interest what put you off St. Helier. I am aware that Guernsey get alot more visitors that Jersey.
If there is something we are doing wrong it would be interesting to know.


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[robp]

Well in our case it was very dirty water in the marina. Whatever you do it's hard to keep kids from playing with/in/on water, whether it's crabbing, dingies or whatever. We left because it wasn't healthy. I know that it was almost certainly some yotties to blame but it wouldn't clear with tides. Borrowed a buoy in St Catherines for lunch, which was pleasant. We'll come back and explore a bit more. Re your comment about Guernsey. It's probably simply that it's less commercial and is particularly picturesque in St PP. Not your fault that St H is just bigger. Also, its easier to make "quick" trips from the South of England to Alderney and Guernsey isn't it?

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[dralex]

Personally I found there were not any good facilities near to the marina. The marina area was also lacking in character cf St Peter Port The other thing that put us off was the approach and the huge numbers of motorboats (this is not having a go at Mobos) putting up massive amounts of wash and swamping us. It was almost scary.

Perhaps it deserves a second chance.

Alex

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[jimi]

Initially at St Helier we were put off by the starkness of the entrance but after an evening warmed to the place as the pubs are excellent with a lot of live music. I look forward to returning.

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[Barry777]

We were there for a few days last summer and the marina was not too crowded and therefore quite comfortable. However, the new development along the front that includes a night club (or two) was a bit rowdy at chucking out time - around 2am if i recall having been woken up, and the lifebuoys along the harbour railings were often floating in the marina in the morning. Other than that the waterfront is OK. The town is like anyother UK high street.....good if you like shopping in the same shops as at home...not good for local shops and (good value) restaurants. Also the pubs all have juke boxes on full blast! However, a cycle ride for a few miles brings you to the "other Jersey"....much nicer.

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