Channel Islands - Advice

Carlo · 05 March 2006, 09:52

I am looking to do a trip to the Channel Islands in May. Can anyone advise me on the best place to go from the point of view of range/easy refuelling/moorings/one night overnight accommodation/sights etc.
I have a 6.5m RIB/Yamaha F150 and a fuel tank capapcity of 150ltrs. Tends to do around 1 mile/litre on average. Also as this is my first extended trip, any adcvice on planning/weather conditions gratefully received.

Andy Moore · 05 March 2006, 11:10

I haven't done this trip in a RIB, but many times in a yacht.

Alderney is the most Northerly of the Channel Islands so easiest to hit off. If leaving from the Solent, take the first of the ebb throught the Needles and then, when at the Bridge Bouy, come on to a course of about 205 degrees and your will arrive at Alderney after about 55 NM.

Once there, I think you may have a problem with refuelling as I think they only supply diesel. If so, you can take the 20 NM hop down to St Peter Port, Guernsey.

Caution is required when navigating in the Channel Islands as the rocks are plentiful and the tides very strong. Do not attempt the trip down to Guernsey in fresh winds as the overfalls can be awful; I speak from experience!

Charles · 05 March 2006, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlo

I am looking to do a trip to the Channel Islands in May.

When in May? You could accompany me back from the Solent 15 May?

Brian · 05 March 2006, 12:50

Let me know if you are popping into Alderney.
I will meet you and show you around.

Andy Moore · 05 March 2006, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

Let me know if you are popping into Alderney.
I will meet you and show you around.

What's the progress on the Seaview Hotel and its transformation?

Richard B · 05 March 2006, 13:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

Alderney is the most Northerly of the Channel Islands... Once there, I think you may have a problem with refuelling as I think they only supply diesel.

Not so! They supply petrol, but it's from the petrol station a short walk away. If you follow the advice in my las post on the subject, http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....ers#post123824 you will have no problems. Just pay careful attention to the tides.You will find the locals very friendly and helpful.

Brian · 05 March 2006, 16:16

The Seaview Hotel.

Hmmm. Well it IS coming on !
The Hotel itself seems to have come to a technical headscratch pause. The other side of the road, owned by the same people, is moving apace. Loads of workers, lots of action, and they even close the road sometimes for lots of hammering and banging.
It is supposed to be finished this Spring. Yeah, right. I'll post a photo if anyone is that interested.

Refueling.

Yup Richard is correct. Loads of diesel at dockside (go into the inner harbour and moorup (at high tide +-3)) but if you really need petrol, let me know when and I will meet you with a car to go to the local garage. It is only 200yds a the crow flies, but not as the average ribber staggers carrying 40 kilos of petrol.

Andy Moore · 05 March 2006, 16:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

The Seaview Hotel.

Hmmm. Well it IS coming on !
The Hotel itself seems to have come to a technical headscratch pause. The other side of the road, owned by the same people, is moving apace. Loads of workers, lots of action, and they even close the road sometimes for lots of hammering and banging.
It is supposed to be finished this Spring. Yeah, right. I'll post a photo if anyone is that interested.

I would be interested in any pics of what is going on. Is the Divers going to survive?

Brian · 05 March 2006, 16:20

OK Give me 10mins.

Charles · 05 March 2006, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

but if you really need petrol, let me know when and I will meet you with a car to go to the local garage. It is only 200yds a the crow flies, but not as the average ribber staggers carrying 40 kilos of petrol.

Become a true Aldananian are we? Or a Aldernian, what do our northern brothers call themselves these days?

Brian · 05 March 2006, 16:37

Uh-huh.
Went down, got out the trusty Canon A40, bloody batteries flat!

Have to wait till tomorrow morning.

Carlo · 05 March 2006, 18:00

Thanks for the advice Andy. Much appreciated.

Ct01 - Kind offer but sadly I am restricted to weekends.

Brian - If I do come over I will be sure to let you know. I guess I would need my own fuel conainers?

Any other tips for a RIB cruise of this type would be really appreciated.

MarkWildey · 05 March 2006, 19:41

Brian

Look forward to seeing you at some point this year.

Mark

DepSol · 05 March 2006, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct01

Become a true Aldananian are we? Or a Aldernian, what do our northern brothers call themselves these days?

Ridunians, thats why the stores and buses are called Riduna.

Will be back there again for Alderney week.

Dom

Brian · 06 March 2006, 09:25

Okey Doke. Here are some piccies of the Seaview Hotel.

Brian · 06 March 2006, 09:33

Does anyone think this will be ready by Spring?

Carlo.
Yes, but only one or two 20ltr cans will be necessary-and that's if you need to top up at all!
Local garage very laid back. You just take petrol and then you go and tell them how much you have had.

Mark
This time maybe we can have a PROPER look round!

Andy Moore · 06 March 2006, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

Okey Doke. Here are some piccies of the Seaview Hotel.

Thanks v. much for that, Brian. Spring completion? Who knows? Is the Divers open?

Brian · 06 March 2006, 12:26

Now then. The, er, Divers.
Ehhm.

Not quite sure where that is yet (only been here 3 months).
You tell me where it is, and I will go see-hows that for a deal?

Andy Moore · 06 March 2006, 13:19

Its the pub right next to the Seaview Hotel.

ADS · 06 March 2006, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

Its the pub right next to the Seaview Hotel.

Looks alive in there Andy! Do they do double vodka redbull or snakebite