Sark

[derekgillard]

Weather bound at home with the central heating on (in may!!!) I am now planning my summer cruise, this year I am being a little braver and doing the Channel Islands. Will be picking up the boat at Jersey and spending the week returning her to Portsmouth.

On our first day at Jersey the tides are springs with a morning HW I did want to go to Granville but reckon I would have to either leave Jersey or arrive at Granville at night, which for my first time is a NO NO. So my thought would be to catch the tide up to Sark and spend the night on one the buoys mentioned in the Guernsey Harbour guide at either Havre or La Greve, my charts are on board so if anyone knows this area advice would be appreciated, by my reckoning I will arrive at Sark around low water is this a problem? On the second day the tides look good to wash me south east to Carteret to arrive just after high water how long would you allow for this trip again if I leave too early it will be close to low water.

I will stress I will read my almanac and charts carefully anyway but advice/hints from someone who knows the area is always good advice.

Thanks in advance

Del Buoy

 

[boatmike]

Assuming a westerly wind (often the case) there are anchorages in Dixcart and Derrible bay that are very safe and comfortable on the south east coast roughly where Sark and Little Sark are joined by a narrow causeway. If the wind is from the east go around the other side in Havre Gosselin or close in in bay La Grande Greve where there are excellent anchorages. All are hard sand and good holding.

 

[Athene V30]

If it is springs you may need to check you've got enough chain to anchor. Was a beautiful spot - last anchored at Harve Gosselin back in 1983 I think!

 

[johnalison]

Second the above. It's no use going to a place like Sark expecting to find a buoy available at all times. In any case, it's usually more comfortable at anchor in non-tidal water as you are usually bumping the buoy all night on a mooring.

 

[A_7]

Go to Beaucette Marina in Guernsey as well if you have never been. Fascinating place.

 

[KREW2]

Havre Gosselin is ok but, if you want to go ashore its a steep climb, there is a good pub at the top but I cannot remember the name.

 

[Sailfree]

I understand the entrance is narrow and turns is there a max size of boat that you would take to Baucette in guernsey?

 

[rickp]

The owner single hands his Squadron 74 in through the 'narrow' gap.

Rick

 

[Sailfree]

I assume thats a Mobo with twin props , bow thruster Stern thruster?

Try single prop what max size?

 

[rickp]

Okay, fair point. I got in with my 45' single prop mobo just fine, without needing bow or stern thruster. I don't think another 10' on that would be a problem, but maybe a bow thruster would help.

If you look at the satellite view you can see how it opens up a bit once you're beyond the immediate entrance.

Rick

 

[A_7]

The entrance is not really a problem and there are some really big boats inside. It is a good idea to call the office as you approach so that you don't encounter someone coming out just as you are going in!

 

[jezjez]

just got back form the channel islands - fantastic!!!!!!!!
Favourite place was Alderney - 4-5 hours from Guernsey pretty straight forward little russel - open water and through the swinge if tides taken into careful consideration - entrance to alderney braye harbour pretty reasonable. Place heavenly for a stop over. Easier, i'm told, than a french coast landfall in those parts.