Visiting Guernsey - recommended Marina?

Tim Good

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Ok so first time to visit Guernsey this weekend. I notice a few Marinas. Just curious if anyone has any specific recommendations over and above the others?
 
The only one I've stayed in is St Peter Port, which I've always enjoyed. It's a great location for provisioning as it's right in the centre of town. It can get very busy in high season but the harbourmasters are very good at finding space where you think there isn't any! The downside is that it can be noisy.
 
Ok so first time to visit Guernsey this weekend. I notice a few Marinas. Just curious if anyone has any specific recommendations over and above the others?
only used SPP, you can stay outside in the outer hbr, no facilities apart from fresh water, all other functions ashore.
inside is much better, showers ect very good,shops handy M&S being the main food source.
 
only used SPP, you can stay outside in the outer hbr, no facilities apart from fresh water, all other functions ashore.
inside is much better, showers ect very good,shops handy M&S being the main food source.

Thanks. Going to be arriving a little before low water so looking at the charts we might have to be in the outer unfortunately.
 
Staying on the outside pontoons isn't too much of a problem and does give you more flexibility for when you want to leave. Also, do be prepared to use your own inflatable for shore runs as the water taxi fares mount up. Not sure of the current cost, but it is either £1 or £1.50 per person per single trip!
 
Ok so first time to visit Guernsey this weekend. I notice a few Marinas. Just curious if anyone has any specific recommendations over and above the others?

There are only two marinas for visiting boats: Victoria (Inner St PP Harbour) and the privately run Beaucette. The latter is not in an urban environment, which has the obvious pros and cons. Best to call ahead for a berth. There is a good restaurant on site. You would be about 1 1/2 miles from St Sampson's, the second town, with supermarket, chandlery, etc. The marina is nearly a mile from the bus to St Samson and St PP.
 
I love Guernsey but beware prices are some 15% higher than UK. M & S put 15% surcharge on marked price to cover additional costs. So called Tax Free goods are often dearer than cheapest UK price once you check.

If staying a day rover bus ticket is good value and lets you see the lovely West coast.
 
There are two Waitroses just outside St PP - one to the north and one to the west. Good quality but you have to pay for it.
Better value are the local Co-ops. There's one in the old market in St PP, and a larger one in St Sampson.
 
We've not stayed at St. Peter Port Marina but have stayed at Beaucette a couple of times. We really like it there, but then we like quiet! It's certainly very different - an old quarry with the seaward "wall" blown out to make an entrance. If it's too quiet for you, you can always move on the next day. As has been said, it's a bit of a stroll to the bus stop but, if you can cope with that, you can enjoy all SPP has to offer and then retire for some rural tranquility! BTW, you don't have to worry about depth once inside....
 
We've not stayed at St. Peter Port Marina but have stayed at Beaucette a couple of times. We really like it there, but then we like quiet! It's certainly very different - an old quarry with the seaward "wall" blown out to make an entrance. If it's too quiet for you, you can always move on the next day. As has been said, it's a bit of a stroll to the bus stop but, if you can cope with that, you can enjoy all SPP has to offer and then retire for some rural tranquility! BTW, you don't have to worry about depth once inside....

I like Beaucette too.

Getting in can be one of those 'half a crown, sixpence' moments though!

http://beaucettemarina.com/communities/1/004/008/066/401/images/4581481569.jpg
 
Havelet is open to the SE. Best land at the slipway near Castle Cornet. There's a public loo nearby, or the Guernsey Yacht Club. Chandlery etc on the other side of the Model Yacht Pond, and engineers (Herm Seaway) a couple of minutes closer to Town.
 
Victoria Marina is the place most people end up. Its the same price to stay rafted up in St PP harbour as it is to go into the Marina once the tide has risen enough to cover the cill. Why don't you wait and see how things are when you get there. The harbour masters minions are very efficient in their dories and will give you the option to stay out or come in on the next high tide. Being inside is intimate and an experience everyone should try once. Most come back for more.

You might worry about your boat handling being tested a little, but its all very benign with no current and usually no wind as its so sheltered. People are invariably helpful and friendly although we did have one incident where a 36 foot sailing yacht bounced off everyone down one of the legs with the driver grinning inanely and saying "Sorry...sorry" as they bounced off various boats.
 
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Havelet is open to the SE. Best land at the slipway near Castle Cornet. There's a public loo nearby, or the Guernsey Yacht Club. Chandlery etc on the other side of the Model Yacht Pond, and engineers (Herm Seaway) a couple of minutes closer to Town.
IMG_0376.jpg

A beer & lunch in the club is recomended
 
Beaucette is a bit of a walk to the bus, but the noise and bustle is not at all intrusive at Victoria. Shops and shower/loos all close at hand, pubs and restaurants nearby. Small chandlery approx 5 mins walk. Big chandlery operated by the same folk who do the fuel berth. Best value bus tickets are when you buy an Ormer card. All journeys cost the same (it was £1 when we were there) no matter how long you travel. Bike hire available by delivery.

Bill for our 33'er at Victoria was £25/night incl electricity and wifi.
 
Ok so first time to visit Guernsey this weekend. I notice a few Marinas. Just curious if anyone has any specific recommendations over and above the others?
SPP.
And take the ferry across to Herm and spend a day walking there. Best reason to go to CIs.
 
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