The Channel Islands are a group of islands located in then English Channel making them easily accessible by air or sea for those travelling from both mainland Europe and the UK. These islands include Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, Breqhou and Jethou with all but the latter two being extremely popular with both islanders and holiday-makers alike.
Sailing Around Jersey and Guernsey
For those with a passion for sailing, cruising, powerboating and yacht racing these islands certainly have much to offer. Sailing is a very popular sport in the Channel Islands with regular yacht races and competitions throughout the year.
There is also the option of chartering a yacht from the larger islands of Jersey and Guernsey either with a skipper or as a bare boat charter.
Yacht Chartering in Jersey and Guernsey, Channel Islands
Yacht chartering is a great way to see more of the spectacular scenery and stunning coastlines surrounding the Channel Islands. For those with limited sailing experience the yacht charter will include an experienced local skipper to help one discover the best bays and sailing locations around the islands.
Those wishing to bare boat charter must have a minimum of 50 miles local skippering experience (over the past five years) and in addition, hold at least an RYA Coastal Skipper Certificate. Sea Scape in Guernsey and Jersey Sailing both offer yacht chartering for a day weekend or longer.
Guernsey Yacht Clubs
Guernsey has two yacht clubs in the main town of St. Peter Port with the Guernsey Yacht Club situated adjacent to Castle Cornet and able to cater for yachting, motor boat and dinghy enthusiasts. The Guernsey Yacht Club has also recently been renovated with excellent facilities including al fresco dining, offering panoramic views across to the smaller islands of Sark and Herm. A wide range of inexpensive, bar meals are available and teas, coffees and cakes are on offer throughout the day.
The Guernsey Royal Channel Island Yacht Club, located in the main town, is also able to provide refreshments for visiting yachtsmen with lovely views and a welcoming atmosphere.
Jersey Yacht Club
The Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club in Jersey is locates in St. Aubin just three miles from the main town of St. Helier, enjoying a panoramic view of the bay. The clubhouse welcomes visitors and facilities include areas for drying out, laundrette, boat repair as well as access to fuel, water and electricity. Visitors are also able to enter any of the local sailing events and competitions.
Marina Facilities in Jersey and Guernsey, Channel Islands
Jersey's main harbour is located at the island's capital of St. Helier, where the main town offers a range of high street stores and local boutiques. The marina facilities for visiting yachtsmen and women include pontoon access to fuel, water, electricity, WiFi and CCTV. Disabled facilities are also available as well as a launderette, toilets, showers, refuse disposal, Chandler and a shop for essential supplies.
Guernsey's visitor marina is conveniently located right in front of the attractive town centre of St. Peter Port. Amenities include laundry facilities, toilets, showers, marine engineers, water taxi and Chandlers.
As highlighted above, both of the larger Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey are able to offer multiple amenities for visitors. The nearby smaller islands of Herm and Sark are also well worth a visit and are popular sailing destinations for locals and visiting holiday-makers alike.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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