Guernsey

Cliquez ici pour le françaisGuernsey has a number of marinas, however, there is only one "visitors" marina in the town of St Peter Port. There is also a marina at the north of the island at Beaucette.

See http://www.digimap.gg/beaucette_marina for information on that privately owned and run marina.

All boats except very large ones will be directed to the Victoria Visitors Marina. It is at the heart of the Town and a very good place. Near to the inexpensive bus service and to all the services you may require including taxis, restaurants banks etc.

Larger boats (over say 60ft, should call ahead before arriving at St Peter Port and room may be found in the Queen Elizabeth II marina (known as the QEII) or even larger boats may be accommodated elsewhere in the harbour, normally near the Sark ferries. Do call ahead of you are visiting with a very large boat - but you will be very welcome. Channel 20 is St Peter Port radio (VTS)

Approaches

The navigation to St Peter Port is quite simple. From the South, pass between Lower Heads Buoy and St Martins Point. See http://www.guernseyharbours.gov.gg/approaches.htm for detailed information.

A diagram of the approaches to St Peter Port

The North is a little more difficult - keep to the east of the Platte Fougere lighthouse and to the west of Roustel. Then stay mid channel. This is the ferry passage so the sea is deep enough.

The entrance to the harbour is clear.

As you enter the harbour - wait if the red light is showing. It is on the north pier which comes on when there is large ferry traffic. Then proceed up the south side which is well marked, takes you past Boatworks+ where you can get supplies and fuel and then you should be met by one of the harbour boats (dorys).

If the tide is too low to enter the Victoria Marina (see http://www.digimap.gg/files/tides/draughts.aspx) then there are waiting pontoons outside.

The one directly outside of the marina must not be used for departing boats, only arriving boats.

The others are all in a line. The small waiting pontoons at the entrance to the Harbour are for local boats only. When you have moored, call the Water Taxi on Channel 10 or Telephone 07781 424042 if you need a lift to the shore. Only £1 (Euro 1.5) per person per journey.

Ask if Mark is driving - he is my son. When the tide is high enough, you will be able to enter the marina.

A schematic of the Harbour

2009 Aerial photo of the Harbour at low tide - Copyright States of Guernsey 2009, supplied by Digimap

Entrance to the St Peter Port harbour

Visitors Marina

St Peter Port High Street

Harbour's South Breakwater next to Castle Cornet

http://www.guernseyharbours.gov.gg/yachtFlipBook/index.html

Pilot Guide - http://www.yachtpilot.net/stpeterport.html

Excellent book from John Frankland for navigation around Guernsey (Herm and Sark also available)

- http://www.guernseypilotage.com/index.htm

Havelet Bay next to the Harbour is also very good for anchoring (except in a South-easterly), well marked, good holding, a quiet slip, with GYC, Toilets (24/7), cafe, chandlers, marine engineers... Call Water Taxi on Channel 10 or Telephone 07781 424042 if you need a lift to the shore or harbour. Cost £3.

Communication -

Ch. 10 -  Water taxi - very convenient, efficient and useful. Only £1 (Euro 1.5) per person per journey. Inside the harbour (£3 From Havelet)

CH. 12 -  Port Control's working channel is VHF 12; this channel should be monitored by mariners entering /exiting St. Peter Port to be aware of any impending commercial movements and is not to be used for berthing information and general enquiries.

Berthing instructions will be given verbally by the Marina staff when meeting yachts on arrival.

Ch.16 - St. Peter Port Radio provides emergency cover when required and maintains a 24-hour watch on VHF Ch. 16 or 67 VHF D/F bearings can also be provided on VHF Channels 16 or 67 (after initial call on CH 16). The aerial position for D/F purposes is 49° 26.27'N, 02° 35.77'W.

Ch. 20 -  Normal working frequency of St. Peter Port Radio is VHF Channel 20 (direct calling). The telephone number of St. Peter Port Radio is 01481 720085. Ch. 20 is the coast guard working frequency for all working traffic and should be used to pass all arrival and departure messages.

Ch. M(37A) and Ch. M2(80) are manned during normal office hours Monday to Friday call sign St Peter Port Marina. Berthing instructions will be given verbally by the Marina staff when meeting yachts on arrival.

Tides and Marina opening times - http://maps.digimap.gg/files/tides/draughts.aspx

Maps -  http://www.guernseyharbours.gov.gg/approaches_lg.jpg

http://www.guernseyharbours.gov.gg/marinaMaps.htm

http://www.guernseyharbours.gov.gg/2002%20Victoria%20Marina.pdf

Tourist information - Guernsey Tourism web site - http://www.visitguernsey.com/

http://www.allaboutguernsey.com/

Web Cameras -

St Peter Port from GYC http://www.gyc.org.gg/the-gyc/webcam

QEII by Nest http://www.nest.gg/

Herm 1  - http://www.herm-island.com/webcams/camera1.aspx

Herm 2 -  http://www.herm-island.com/webcams/camera2.aspx

Weather http://www.thisisguernsey.com/travel/shipping/

http://www.gyweather.com/

Guernsey Boatowners Association Have the following lay-by moorings for use by Guernsey Boatowners Association (GBA) members only and GBA Burgees MUST be flown. 1 outside QEII Marina 2 in Havelet Bay 1 in Harve Gosselin, Sark