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There is a Tide Gauge on the north wall of the marina facing the waiting pontoon and the approx. limit on draft inside is 2.1 M and LOA 12.8 M (if in doubt, phone ahead). You can also “dry-out” on Sleepers against the west wall and by arrangement, electricity. The central Bus station supplying services to all parts of the Island is just some 100 M south of the marina with tickets available from shops & stalls. The 800 year old Castle Cornet is always worth a visit especially the firing of the “noonday” canon. Its a short re-enactment but the cannon charged with a 1/3 rd charge still gives one a shock (and the smoke gets everywhere). Harbour Masters can be contacted on Tel 01481-720029 or VHF CH 80 and a Water Taxi (Terry Hodson) on Tel 01481-424042 VHF CH 10 or Mob 07781-108767. An alternative mooring would be the Visitors moorings north of the Visitors pontoon outside the Marina. Beware the drying area west of these pontoons. These have water only but pontoons 1 to 4 are Walk Ashore to the Victoria Pier. Pontoon no 5 is isolated. Again during peak times, expect rafting. These pontoons are ideal for a layover for tidal advantage being able to slip at any time but they are more liable to swells (especially easterlies). Moorings in Queen Elizabeth 11 (North Beach) and Albert Marina’s are mainly for local but are available to visitors by prior arrangement. Guernsey Yacht Club (Tel 01481-722838), Castle Emplacement on route to Castle Cornet (has a quiet balcony facing east) and Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club (Tel 01481-723154 Office or 01481-725500 Club), 57 Lower Pollet (just north of Victoria Marina) are both worth a visit, my preference being the RCIYC.
There is a plethora of restaurants all within walking distance with pubs to match both too many to mention here. Shops of all kinds with a small underground Co-Op behind the church and an M&S on the front, ideal for vittling. Best of all, as there are so many fishermen in the area, is a small supplier of fresh and if required, cooked to order sea food which I can certainly recommend especially when served with Guernsey’s home grown Jersey Royals (and a glass or 2 of a chilled white nectar) consumed in a sunny & warm cockpit. Also if you are keen on Fish ‘n Chips then try “Guernsey Fish & Chips” in Fountain Street (Tel 01481-722108) reputedly the best on the Island. Should you require assistance in maintaining your vessel then first try Boatworks (Tel 01481-726071) within walking distance, is the biggest around and who also serve fuel. There’s just too much to see and view on the Island and a bus (£1 around the Island) will stop where ever you are, just hold out your hand. I cannot emphasise enough the efficiency and ease of using the Guernsey Bus Service. Worth a visit is Victor Hugo’s house (Tel 01481-723301), once French Territory where he spent many years in exile. Its located in Hauteville just a short walk from Victoria Marina and can be recognised by a Tricolour flying above. There’s a labyrinth of narrow streets, winding steps, mysterious alley cuts and old town houses all supporting each other fitting in perfectly. Just walk a little out of town and explore. You will truly be amazed.
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