Channel Islands: Water & Leccy /Watch system

kingfisher

kingfisher

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We left the boat at Gravelines last weekend, and are now home for some family obligations (wedding) We plan to leave to continue our trip to the Channel Islands on Sunday.

The weather looks ideal for a non-stop passage from Gravelines to Cherbourg. Maxsea counts 1day11hours as TTG. I don't see this as a problem: leave at 0600, arrive at 1700 the next day. It will be just me and my wife. My wife has 1 year sailing experience, I've done plenty of all nighters

First question: what's the best watch system for a couple? I was thinking about 3h on/3h off, with me sleeping on deck.

Secondly, this is our first visit to the Channel Islands. I've upgraded the anchoring hardware, bought a tender etc etc etc. But how/where do you fill the water tanks?
 
water in the marinas or on the waiting berth in the pool. But you might get stung for an overnight stay unless you can pursuade the guys in the dories that you are only filling your tanks!
 
My wife and I have been sailing for the best part of 30 years with plenty of ovenight sails. From about 9 or 10 at night we do a 2 hour watch each followed by a 3 hour watch, which take you through to early morning. After that it's who feels freshest takes a watch. It's normally lookout and sail trim only as Jeeves, our autopilot does the steering.
Not sure about Guernsey but There is water available on the waiting pontoon at St Helier Marina.
 
Sleep inside with instruction to wake you for any reason. The way I use to always look at it was that I would be happy to sleep with the boat sailing if it wasn't for traffic out there. So what you really need is a pair of eyes when you asleep. You'll get better rest inside and your wife will gain some great experience. She's bound to wake you 2 or 3 times but so what.
 
Wot sleep!

If you are doing a day passage, what is the point of sleeping? Resting maybe!
Even on a night passage, it will take several passages before you have the confidence to sleep, unless you are exceptional.
On a day passage, one designated as 'keeping watch' for a couple of hours, turn and turn about allows the other free to roam, cook, talk, navigate, etc.
This assumes that you have a functional autopilot and moderate conditions. If that isn't the case, then probably hour and hour about would be better.
 
Guernsey (Peter Port) you can get water on the waiting pontoons. We did it two weeks ago and they weren't bothered about charging us then. Every pontoon accept the one directly in front of the inner harbour/cill has water and can be accessed at all state of tide. (Just)

If you can dry out (or for a very brief visit) you can also take water on at Herm for a pound against the wall in the little harbour. Don't go at the weekend though it will be packed. Almost empty during the week. Shame to miss this lovely spot but most do as they can't/won't get their fins in.
 
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