What to expect on arrival
Getting here
Magical cruising grounds just a stone's throw from France.
To the French author Victor Hugo, the Channel Islands are like 'little bits of France dropped into the sea and picked up by Britain'.
To visiting vessels, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is quite simply a truly unique and delightful cruising ground. Thousands of British and European sailors descend on the waters around Guernsey each year, tempted by its culture, clear warm waters, plentiful sunshine, stunning beaches and beautiful scenery.
For sailors making their initial crossing to Guernsey the English Channel may, at first glance at the chart seem a somewhat daunting prospect. However, crossing the channel is quite straightforward provided you've undertaken proper passage planning and keep a sharp lookout at all times, especially when negotiating the busy Traffic Separation Lanes. The distances involved aren't as great as you might imagine.
Working the tides to your advantage is of major benefit when crossing the channel; get it right and the ground can be covered with remarkable ease.
Once within the Bailiwick cruising area, it is easy to plan an itinerary that will take in all the islands.
Victoria Marina
Skippers can plot a course for our quaint and picturesque visitor marina, which will find them alongside the small but bustling town seafront. A Marina Attendant in a dory will guide you to your berth or the holding pontoon just outside the entrance, which provides plenty of space for vessels awaiting the tide.
The facilities include shower blocks on both sides of the marina and electricity and water is available on all Victoria Marina pontoons. Guernsey Marinas has a popular walk-ashore facility outside the Victoria Marina which offers non-tidally restricted berths offering our visiting yachtsmen greater flexibility. A fuel berth and large chandlery are located on the south side of the main fairway.