Friday 7th June Braye (Alderney) – St Peter Port (Guernsey)
Depart 1100. Arrive 1500. Distance 22nm
It was a very rolly night in Braye – not sure why. Winds were light and sea state smooth. We were woken at 1230 post the water taxi finishing to some shouting around the bay. We suspect that it was probably some late night revellers returning trying to find their boat!
We had given thought as to whether to go around the North end of the island and down through the Race which in theory would give us a smoother ride but would have to punch the tide for some time. Or we went down the Swinge which was not a great experience last time. Looking at the tides HW Dover was 1230hrs and the tide started to turn in our favour around 1130hrs. We decided to leave at 1100hrs allowing time to come out the harbour and sort out sails before tracking down the channel. After lots of preparation and studying of Admiralty tidal atlases we decided to go through the Swinge. Absolutely perfect timing. Tide was completely slack and you would not hve known it was renowned for its turbulence.
Once clear of the Swinge, we had a WSW which allowed us to sail all the way down to Guernsey on a single tack. We averaged between 5-6kts in 10kts of wind. But slower than I was expecting but it was very smooth sailing. The route is very straightforward once to have cleared the last of the rocks off Alderney. We a waypoint for mid-channel between Platte Fougere (Stbd side) and Tauntonay (Port side).
Once you are in the channel the only decision you have to make is whether to go port or starboard of Roustel, a now very leaning lattice tower in mid channel which marks an isolated rock. Most seem to leave it to Port.
As we arrived off the entrance the large Condor Ferry from Poole arrived. They are huge. We had pre read the instructions for entering the harbour and knew with 3 reds showing we had to hold off until they turned green. It was about a 10 minute delay which was useful in sorting out main sail and fenders. We were met by the Harbour Master dory as we entered and shown to our pontoon. Dex and Julia had arrived before us on Island Girl and lent a hand taking lines. It was the first time I had used Passeport Escale which gives you 2-5 nights in a marina that is in the scheme for free. As we were staying here 4 nights – that was a saving of around £150!
We ate on board and read during the evening. Our first night since Tuesday when we were not on a buoy – bliss.
Evening was not without some drama as it looked as if one or both of my domestic batteries were failing. Despite being charged whilst motoring they seemed to quickly drop to 12V. Now monitoring voltage and amperage.
Purrfect Tale 