St Helier marina, a bit of info please

stuartwineberg

stuartwineberg

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About to head down to Jersey for the first time so some basic questions I can't seem to find answered by Google
MId week in May do we just wander in and pick any pontoon that we fancy or should we call ch14 for instructions
We draw about 1.8 metres and 11 metres loa so looks like we should aim for the pontoon nearer the sill as it looks deeper there
There are dire warnings about not crossing the sill on Springs within one hour of it opening or closing because of the tidal flow, is it that bad?
Are all the pontoons in Victoria marina for visitors

Thanks as always
 
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One bit of advice for approaching Jersey, look out for pot buoys, the fisherman seem to use the same transit for laying their pots and the pilot book recommends for approaching the harbour from the west.

Last time I was there, there were waiting pontoons outside the sill, and you were pretty much free to help yourself to a suitable berth once inside. While it was nice enough during the day, at night it did feel like we were berthed in a city centre, with bottle-throwing youths, loud arguments and all the other wonderful nightlife one finds as clubs kick out on a Friday/Saturday night.
 
I was there for 2 weeks late March/early Apr. Outer pontoons have deep water but frequently noisy from cargo handling opposite. I had no bother from late night revellers. Heavy traffic nearby, but sounds don't reach the berths (apart from powerful motor bikes on full acceleration)
 
The two pontoons closest to town are the visitors ones. We were there for our first time last August when it was busy. The staff were on the ball directing things so everyone got in. The waiting pontoon outside the sill is big and obvious if you need to wait. Noise was not a problem. Watch out for the fastcat ferries, they give no quarter.
 
Depending on when you arrive, it is usual to tie up/raft outside before entering. The staff may well come round and give directions, as well as saying which boats should enter first. The sill is controlled by lights and there is a large display showing the current depth, so it is actually quite simple. From my memory, there is usually a couple of metres when the sill opens.

The office is usually very helpful, and we have twice needed their co-operation when requiring use of the (free and good) drying pad which needs to be pre-booked, as well as taking their advice on finding a local engineer.
 
We were there in early July last year. The main problem, having come down at the optimum time from Guernsey, was the time we had on the waiting pontoon. It was empty when we arrived, but so many boats eventually rafted onto us that our fenders were squashed flat. The marina staff tried to organise an orderly entry, but the French simply do not queue and it all ended up as rather a scramble. Once we were inside the marina, the staff allocated us a berth based on our draft. We were not unduly troubled with either yob or traffic noise.
 
Although many people affect to prefer Guernsey, or Alderney, we like Jersey. There is none of the swell you get in Guernsey, the town is pleasant and the shopping is better. The bus service is very good and as well as the natural sights there is plenty to visit, such as the zoo, wine farm and Gorey castle.
 
stuartwineberg said:
As always excellent advice from the mouth of various horses - much appreciated
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Talking of which, the racecourse at Les Landes is superbly situated and, on a good day, the whole of the Channel Islands are laid out before you. I think there is racing on Sun 14th and Mon 29th:

http://www.jerseyraceclub.com/

If the weather is good you won't regret it.
 
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What someone referred to in an earlier post as the 'outer pontoon' opposite cargo boats is called pontoon 5 and is a visitor holding pontoon for when St Helier marina is closed (normally open at least HW+\- 3 hours, sometimes nearer 31/2
I think It's currently open at sill plus 2.4 m due to some maintenance issues, which shorten the window.

Pontoon 5 is only supposed to be holding although a number of boats try to use it as a weekend mooring. Harbours do come round to collect fees from boats trying to stay there for free, although I know you can pop on and off for an overnighter and get away with it

Pontoon 5 can get very crowded I have seen it rafted 10 deep and then there's a melee to get into St Helier when it opens.

At busy times there is a dory to advise and guide.

As others have pointed out, the visitor pontoons in side the marina are E and F, at the town end, with two rows of finger pontoons and two rows of alongside pontoons. Manoeuvring space for the alongside nearest town is tight!

Mid week is generally much quieter as lots of boats come from France for weekend.

C14 is port control (St helier VTS) who do not deal with marina matters, they just tell you to head to the visitor pontooons.
 
Bathdave said:
What someone referred to in an earlier post as the 'outer pontoon' opposite cargo boats is called pontoon 5 and is a visitor holding pontoon for when St Helier marina is closed (normally open at least HW+\- 3 hours, sometimes nearer 31/2
I think It's currently open at sill plus 2.4 m due to some maintenance issues, which shorten the window.

Pontoon 5 is only supposed to be holding although a number of boats try to use it as a weekend mooring. Harbours do come round to collect fees from boats trying to stay there for free, although I know you can pop on and off for an overnighter and get away with it

Pontoon 5 can get very crowded I have seen it rafted 10 deep and then there's a melee to get into St Helier when it opens.

At busy times there is a dory to advise and guide.

As others have pointed out, the visitor pontoons in side the marina are E and F, at the town end, with two rows of finger pontoons and two rows of alongside pontoons. Manoeuvring space for the alongside nearest town is tight!

Mid week is generally much quieter as lots of boats come from France for weekend.

C14 is port control (St helier VTS) who do not deal with marina matters, they just tell you to head to the visitor pontooons.
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Solid info - many thanks
 
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