Needles - Cherbourg - Saturday 12 October 2013 - Page 2

Bittentobuggery · 21 June 2013, 19:35

Yes, I was trying to remember the name of that hotel/restaurant and knew it had something to do with flowers !! It's just around the corner from the CdP and a good choice. I have stayed there also and it is more convenient than the Granitiere as you won't have any wheels and you won't want to be getting taxis around.

The Vauban used to be the one to avoid. Restaurant was OK but I stayed there twice when St V was busy. One room was like a broom cupboard under the stairs and the second time was not much better

Lee argyle · 21 June 2013, 21:08

Sounds like a great trip, pencil me in

, wouldn't mind popping over to Alderney also this summer - next nice weather window.............

whisper · 21 June 2013, 21:16

Yep, sounds great to me

Oscarguitar · 21 June 2013, 22:51

Definitely interested. Missed out on Alderney last year so would like to make crossing.

landlord · 22 June 2013, 11:21

This link gives some pilotage info on St Vaast.

StVaast

matt h · 22 June 2013, 13:37

Sounds good .!!

landlord · 27 August 2013, 22:35

Time to resurrect this thread. Still planning on going across in October. Hopefully this weather will last and we can have a decent run across. I will check with the hotel tomorrow and see what's available. Still fancy St Vaast as it has secure moorings and a choice of accommodation at reasonable prices.

Times for arrival and departure are fairly fixed due to lock openings and closing but does give an easy start on the Saturday and Sunday and not a bad finish time on the Sunday.

Hopefully we can get a bit of duty free whilst we're there just to show we've been

, maybe even pick up a bottle of bubbly for AJ's stag do

Maximus · 28 August 2013, 09:29

Sounds Good We should be up for it!

Pikey Dave · 28 August 2013, 16:14

Wish we could join you. Be sure to call in the oyster bar on the front, north end of the run of cafes & bars. The oysters are straight from the farm & half the price of the restaurants

Have a bottle of the local cider, rather than wine to wash 'em down.

We were in St Vaast earlier this month, & the poor state of the economy is starting to show, quite a few of the bars & cafes were boarded up. I've heard good reports about the restaurant "Fuschia" on the mainstreet behind the front, not been meself, but our French friends rate it. Gosselins food shop is worth a look on the same street, sort of a French Harrods food hall in miniature. Tatihou is stunning & you can walk across at low water, it's a bit like Lindisfarne. If you get chance, have a run down to Arromanche & see the Mulberry harbour, try & hit it at high water as it dries. Port-en-Bessin is worth a look around & there is a pontoon in the outer harbour now, so you don't have to go through the lock. Apparently there is good Bass fishing close inshore around the Illes Saint-Marcouf, not tried it, but we will next year.

Have a great time

landlord · 29 August 2013, 20:56

It appears St Vaast is quite popular in October !

Hotel de Granitiere has rooms from £55 whist HOTEL DE FRANCE ET DES FUCHSIAS has some rooms from 99 euros. Fuchsias is closer to the marina and has some good write ups. Will keep an eye on both over the next week to see how the bookings are going.

Pikey Dave · 29 August 2013, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by landlord

It appears St Vaast is quite popular in October !

Hotel de Granitiere has rooms from £55 whist HOTEL DE FRANCE ET DES FUCHSIAS has some rooms from 99 euros. Fuchsias is closer to the marina and has some good write ups. Will keep an eye on both over the next week to see how the bookings are going.

You could look at Grandcamp-Maisy, which is also locked in & has a good size marina. Not as pretty as St-Vaast but a lot cheaper. There is/was a very good restaurant on the harbour popular with the Paris glitterati who considered it worth the trip. You are also further into D-day territory with more to see.

whisper · 01 September 2013, 23:19

Really looking forward to this

landlord · 02 September 2013, 13:43

Have spoken to the HM for St Vaast today and confirmed the lock opening times for the weekend of the 12/13th October

Saturday 12th open 13.51hrs close 19.11hrs (French summer time)

Sunday 13th open 15.32hrs close 20.37hrs (French summer time)

Therefore plan is to meet off Yarmouth (allows people to get fuel if required) ready to depart at 11.00hrs on the Saturday (UK time). Leisurely cruise over to St Vaast, distance from the Needles approx 68nm. Arriving St Vaast at about 14.30hrs (15.30hrs French time).

Petrol is available 24/7 in the harbour, its self service and takes Visa.

No need to book marina - plenty of space.

Theres a supermarket 2km from the harbour for any essentials.

So far those who have expressed an interest in cruising over

Landlord
Whisper
AJ
Maximus
Oscarguitar
250kts
Ian M
Andre
Lee argyle

If only half manage to come along will be a good end of season cruise, just need good weather and to book B&B

Hightower · 02 September 2013, 14:04

Can't justify the full cost of taking my own RIB at the moment, however I'd love to do a trip to France one day.

I would however like to come along as crew and share the costs if someone is willing to put up with me

gtb · 02 September 2013, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Can't justify the full cost of taking my own RIB at the moment, however I'd love to do a trip to France one day.

I would however like to come along as crew and share the costs if someone is willing to put up with me

I'm in a similar situation. Would love to join you, but... my idea of fun (an adventure!) is not the same as my family's idea (a sunny beach!) It would be a great experience.

Ian M · 02 September 2013, 15:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Can't justify the full cost of taking my own RIB at the moment, however I'd love to do a trip to France one day.

I would however like to come along as crew and share the costs if someone is willing to put up with me

Andy, you are more than welcome on Jianna. I think if you deal with my thirst, NOT Jianna's, that will be good enough

Sorry. gtb, only one spare seat at the moment, the other seats are taking a little rest in Hamble

landlord · 02 September 2013, 15:30

Looks like Hightower might be sorted with Ian M, cheers Ian.

Gtb - I have a spare seat as Jo cant make it that weekend. However Whisper might be on mine so will let you know later. Although I'll still have spare seats if you don't mind the armchairs in the back

AJ. · 02 September 2013, 15:41

Sarah and I are in. Looks like there is some fun wave jumping to be had near the harbour

gtb · 02 September 2013, 16:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by landlord

Gtb - I have a spare seat as Jo cant make it that weekend. However Whisper might be on mine so will let you know later. Although I'll still have spare seats if you don't mind the armchairs in the back

I'll bring my pipe and slippers.

Thanks for the offer.

Brian · 02 September 2013, 16:27

BTW A.J. and Sarah, you MUST enter the harbour by going to the EAST of that island and then in a WESTERLY/ NWESTERLY direction.
If you attempt to go in to the WEST of that island you run a severe risk of grounding on the amphibian's "road".
Also please, please bear in mind the "lobster pots" that act as a minefield for the unwary just to the south of that breakwater.