Guernsey 20th June 2017

Sunrise at Cherbourg.

Details of log book begun for the day.

I sometimes think that pilot books are there to scare you, which I didn't need as the rocks on the charts and the tides did that all by themselves.  We were headed to Guernsey but we had to go down the Alderney Race, which is a stretch of water that you need to respect and get your tides right.


The tides were such that Rascal managed to reach 9.9 knots as we passed Cap de Hague heading for the race, which for us is fast. True to form there was no wind, which seems the theme of this holiday. The race wasn't as frightening or rough as it could have been. It was fast as over four hours we travelled over 7 knots an hour, we usually average 5.5 knots.

On the way to Cherbourg we had seen quite a few solitary gannets, however on this journey we were lucky to see several flocks. Each with about twenty gannets in. They flew close and low to the boat unfortunately we didn't get any photos but they were fantastic to see.

The only snag was it was very hazy so when we were passing Herm and coming down the coast of Guernsey we didn't see the spectacular views. We arrived in the harbour about 11.45 am, on this occasion a ferry wasn't coming out but a fast cat did follow us in. As we were trying to get between the buoys where the cat would go I looked up at the castle and realised the 12 o'clock gun was about to go off. Even though I was expecting it, the sound of the gun going off did make me jump.

They are very efficient at Guernsey harbour, a dory meets you, finds out your requirements and then directs you to a waiting pontoon where boats are rafted up according to size, while we wait for enough water to be over the sill and enter the harbour.

As we had an early start while we were moored up, knowing we had enough time, the kettle went on and bacon butties were made. We also helped a French boat raft up next to us, being French they were taking lunch more seriously than us. They hadn't finished their lunch by the tine the harbour dory came back to ask them to move into the harbour. They looked quite shocked to have to move before the end of the lunch two hours. They were berthed near us and their English was actually worse than our French, but we managed to greet each other every time we met with either bonjour or bonsoir.

The finger berths were quite tight but to get into but we would rather be on finger berths as the long pontoons meant being rafted up when busy. It is a lovely harbour right in the centre of St Peter Port. Twice a day there was a lot of activity as boats would be able to come and go. It could be entertaining, one day we watched a French boat try to leave the harbour not once but twice, he only got out on the third attempt. He got stuck twice. There is a dam big gauge at the side of the sill telling you how much water is over the sill.

Coming into St Peters Port.

On the waiting pontoon.

The rather full Victoria Marina.

Looking out over the entrance to the harbour.

Guernsey ticked all our boxes and then some more. It is a walking paradise with lots of walks. The bus service is superb. It is £1 per person anywhere and there is one that goes all around the island (about an hour and a half). We decided to get this as then we would know where to go another day. As a cruise ship was anchored off the bus was already nearly full before we set off. THe journey promised to be a good one as it hugged the coast where ever possible. a bit later on a couple, obviously destined for the airport got on complete with luggage. Then a couple of stops later a Chinese party of 10 also got on. THey to were going to the airport. to say it was standing room only was an understatement. The luggage was no way going to fit in the luggage bit as this was already full. But eventually got on, the driver even had a large carrier bag with him. To say we were fully was an understatement so he had to go past the net bus stop much to the obvious annoyance of the lady waiting. But you couldn't have got another person on. Every time some wanted to get off, a whole load had to get off the bus first so they could make their way down to the door. t was one of those very funny and enjoyable journeys. When we reached the airport we got ways and goodbyes from the Chinese group.

While in Guernsey we made the most of the bus service and did a few walks, generally we bussed some where and walked back. without exception every walk was spectacular but sadly the photos don't do the views justice.

The drivers in Guernsey are incredible, they stop for pedestrians even if you aren't at a proper crossing place. Its amazing.

The sill at low tide. To the left is Victoria Harbour with the sill keeping the water in. As you can see you need a lot of water to cover the sill and the concrete block.

Sailing Information
Cherbourg to Guernsey 44.1 nautical miles, 6 3/4 hours.
£30 per night, extra for electricity. There is also a surcharge if you use a credit card.
There are two lots of showers, we choose the ones further away from us as there were more. Although they look  bit old they were excellent. They were what John calls 'pit showers', they take the top of your head off. None of this misty spray stuff! the water is hot, they also have a washing cubical if you want.
The hair driers are the best yet, real hair driers. Absolute bliss. There is also a plug if you want to take your straightners.
They are also immaculately clean, the lady cleans about three times a day. So don't be put off by their old fashioned appearance,
The washing machine is £2 a wash. Two different tumble driers - either a £1 or £2 dry. If you use the £1 drier you will need to use it twice.

 The  marina is bang on the main road so getting to the shops is no problem. There is a Marks and Sparks but it definitely doesn't have Meadowhall or Parkgate Opening hours. In fact its 9 while 5 and closed on Sundays. There are two Coop locales within easy walking distance and a Waitrose which is a fair distance. Like all Waitroses it's expensive.

The Marina staff are extremely helpful and friendly.