Channel Islands in Summer

Nickel

Nickel

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We're contermplating the CIs this summer - never been there before. We have two school age kids, so we're talking late July/August. Will they be unbearably busy? Is there even a possibility of a marina berth in St Helier or St Peter Port at that time of year?

Does this sound like a holiday or a trial?

Thanks for any info.
 
Spent most of August in the Channel islands and surrounding parts of France. We never had too much trouble getting a berth, and were certainly never turned away from anywhere. The harbour staff in both St Peter Port and St Hellier are extremely efficient and get boats inside the inner harbours as soon as the sills open.
 
We sailed over and spent a couple of weeks in the CI last year and then a couple more before sailing back. Between the two (four weeks as I recall), the boat was left in the St Hellier marina. No problems finding a berth and the trip from Southampton Airport is only 28 minutes. We even took two folding bikes as as luggage on the second trip. A great place.
 
You'll have a lovely time but don't forget to go to Sark and anchor off for a day or two and also vist shell beach on Herm, with a westerly breeze its perfick!

I left Vitality in Guernsey for a week and the Harbour master was exceedingly helpful - makes it a pleasure to meet people who seem to have your needs as their priority.

Don't forget to go to St Malo and enter the old port Basin Vaubin not the marina outside. You go through the ship lock and they will operate it for one yacht at low springs - this does mean a 15metre climb up the ladder with two coils on your back!!! but its worth it. There again you could time it right and just go in on throughflow. Tie up in the marina in the inner harbour and you are just near the northern entrance to the old town.

The retaurant A La Duchesse Anne was the best last time I went but you will pay for it. Even the locals only have one plat, but full a meal with wine for four need not cost more than £250.

The first time we went to St Malo the girls insisted we stay for a while - this ended up at three and a half weeks!! mind you that was in a cruise of 10 weeks.

have fun and if you want any other info send me a pm

Fair winds
Ken
 
The Victoria Marina (for visitors) in Guernsey does fill up at peak times. The overflow ties up at five pontoons in the Harbour Pool. My youngest son drives the water taxi available to those who don't want to row the short distance to the Crown Pier. He says he doesn't know of anyone being turned away from St Peter Port.

If a marina berth is important, telephone or radio ahead - if you can't be accommodated in the visitors' marina there is a possibility of a berth vacated by a local boat in the other marinas.
 
We've been several times with our 4 daughters, two of whom are still at school. Never had any problem getting a berth, though it can be very busy.
Jersey feels much bigger, lots to do. The girls loved the (cheap) shopping & I have bought jewellery at good prices for future birthdays etc.
On Guernsey we have ridden bikes around the island-nearly killed the wife & I but the kids found it easy. I preferred Guernsey to Jersey.
Alderney/Sark/Herm just lovely & quiet.
All have really good beaches and good food.
I think there is plenty for kids to do, particularly in good weather
 
We went last year - last week in July, first week in August. The second week was noticeably busier. I put it down to the French starting their traditional two week break. We plan to go this year - possibly last two weeks to avoid the rush.

If you haven't been before, watch out for the tidal streams would be my only advice. Time it right and you get a great free ride. Time it wrong and you have plenty of time to admire the scenery!

Simon
 
ci is great. We went every year for about 5 years when the kids were young. Theres plenty for them to do off the boat when your in port. Dont be put off by the fear of crowded marinas. The harbour staff are so efficient its all handled well.
I now keep my boat in Jersey and spend time cruising the whole area.

The anchoring off Sark is only for those that dont mind a bit of rolling to put you to sleep. This never suited my family and so we would always go into the marina for the night.

Sure you will love it.
 
Went last September. Stopped at Omonville and waited for the tide to turn and then a fast cruise into Alderney. Next day sailed down to Sark and pased through the gap between Sark and Brecqhuo. Picked up a buoy. What a fantastic spot. Had a quick dip in the briney. Bit chilly but very refreshing. Watched the sun set and then we made off to St.Peter Port. Harbour master was very helpful and despite appearing to be "full house" he managed to squeeze us in (Bavaria 44) rafted alongside another large yacht just by the entrance.
Probably one of my best cruises for many years. Planning on doing the same but maybe slightly extended next season.
You won't be dissappointed
 
No probs getting into either St Helier or St PP unless you are very unlucky and there is a rally on - even then you should get in on the next tide (waiting pontoons are OK). Beaucette is rather a long way out, especially with the kids - I would avoid . St Helier is probably better for the kids, St PP is more of an adult place (though there are things for kids to do). The smaller islands probably won't grab kids unless they are really into that sort of thing (i.e. little islands /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif). Lots of good WW2 stuff for the kids on Jersey for the kids. Busses are excellent on both islands and there is probably no need for a car. It's pretty safe, so school-age kids could go off by themselves for the day and meet up with you later. Swimming is good and safe, esp. in St Helier, just a short walk from the marina.

I am certain you will have a wonderful time and end up going back to the islands year after year. The sailing is quite challenging - tidal height, tidal streams, submerged rocks and loads of fog but that just adds to the fun, I suppose!
 
Thoroughly recommend. St Peter Port is most visited port in my logbook over past 20 years. Good port of refuge in a westerly, but don't expect to get straight into marina if arriving in bad weather - you'll need to bide your time in the pool because lots of others will have had the same idea. Harbour staff are always helpful - eg it's worth asking for a finger berth if you'd prefer one because of small children. Excellent showers there and useful laundrette. We too prefer Guernsey to Jersey - seems a little less commercial.

Visiting Herm by tripper boat from St Peter Port is a good option, as is hiring a car for a day or so to explore Guernsey - very cheap rates compared with UK mainland or France (no need to prebook).

CIs are are also a good staging post for St Malo, or Treguier/Lezardrieux.

From the Solent we would aim to clear the Needles before the tide turned East and sail direct for Braye Harbour, Alderney - spending a day on the beach there before heading on to St Peter Port.

On the way back, if time allowed, a visit to Cherbourg helps replenish wine stocks, if not, a direct passage from St Peter Port to the Solent is perfectly practicable as a longer daysail.

Only other tip, bear your optimum departure time in mind before committing yourself to Victoria Marina which has a sill. On short visits you may find the pool more convenient.
 
If your BK then sky's the limit. However I have never known St Peterport fail to look after all when it's been blowing

Regards.

Peter.
 
Most fantastic landfall I ever had was at the Minkies - scary, beautifull and visited by dolphins. Your boat wouldn't like it on a spring tide tho. (Most southerly toilet in British Isles, and now has the most southerly rock climb)
 
Yes - I think you've posted that before haven't you? Its a great resource and very nice to sit and look at on days when I should be working /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Rick
 
Guess, I may have posted it before. Just re-discovered it - and the views of Ploumanach. Roll on summer. Long-range forecast is hopeful, with an Indian summer lasting into mid-October.
 
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