Views of visits to Alderney over the last 2 seasons?

Channel Ribs · 17 November 2009, 15:49

Just that really, if you took your RIB to Alderney in 2009 or 2008 and would like your comments to be noted at a forthcoming Harbour Tourism meeting then please post them here. Any responses will be put forward in the discussion of what brings people here and what visitors like and dislike about the island.

Thanks in advance.

JABS · 17 November 2009, 16:31

Martin,

We loved the island, we were made very welcome by everyone we met. The B&B and meals we had were very acceptable and at a good price.

On my dream list would be an easer source of petrol, but the refuelling exercise was handled well for us all.

Other than that, a super trip and we will be back next year.

Erin · 17 November 2009, 18:23

Am I allowed to contribute seeing as I kind of have a foot in both camps?

A bigger/longer dinghy pontoon would be nice.
I also agree a better source of petrol wouldn't go amiss. I don't often need to fill up on my visits, but just occasionally.
Perhaps a better, floating, waiting pontoon (instead of the grey buoy) where you can tie up more easily in a rib or small boat for a short shore visit.
And maybe live weather data on the internet so I can decide if its worth coming up.

There's many pros and cons for a proper marine. However, IMHO they encourage people to get/keep boats that don't really get used as often as they should. The costs have to be covered and it would make boating for the genuine masses far more expensive. There's something to be said for keeping it simple.

I think I've wandered off track a little. What makes Alderney nice is the simplicity, lack of real commercialism and the friendly natives (well most of them are). They also don't usually charge me for an overnight on the visitors' buoys (but keep that one to yourself). And it's quite picturesque on a sunny day!

Paul Cannell · 17 November 2009, 21:20

I'll second what Tony has said and Erin's idea of a pontoon would be nice, my first trip to Alderney on a jet-ski certainly won't be the last, must stay longer next time/year........... time to start planning.

Roy Smith · 17 November 2009, 22:41

I agree a pontoon would be nice
i would like to camp next time so being able to tie up and or mybe sleep on board would be nice.get to shower etc.
its so near that it would get more people over if it was a bit more user friendly

Channel Ribs · 18 November 2009, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Smith

I agree a pontoon would be nice
i would like to camp next time so being able to tie up and or mybe sleep on board would be nice.get to shower etc.

Thanks for all the comments so far, keep em coming.

The island's camp site is within the harbour limits (just) and I believe it is possible to anchor off the beach adjacent to it, there are also showers near the dinghy pontoon.

Andre · 18 November 2009, 09:45

Martin

Our recent visit ie stopover from Guernsey was rather short but very pleasant. we had an enjoyable lunch outside as the weather was good but not enough time to wonder around.

Without your kind assistance we would have had to toss a coin who was to swim from the mooring

and as I was wearing a dry suit it would have most probably been down to me and I would not have wanted to do that so thanks again

for sure you need a longer pontoon for mooring

mainbrayce · 19 November 2009, 10:02

A big thank you to everyone who made it to Alderney in the summer and all the comments are constructive. BIBOA are thinking about a winter cruise if anyone is interested.

Moorings and fuel are top of the list for us all but may not get them next year sadly. We at Mainbrayce offered to build a petrol fueling station in the inner harbour but after 5 months of argument with the govt here and the HSE, Customs etc we had to admit defeat. However we have not given in, we are attacking the situation again for 2010 and both your trips and the BIBOA trips have given us reason to fight on!

Pontoon in the harbour is another matter. The one we have is knackered and the harbour are having to fight for the funds for a new one. Sadly anything larger or different is off the agenda for a little bit.

If anyone is going to join the BIBOA trip (if it comes) the water taxi now runs all year and you can e-mail or call us to book it.

Cheers

mainbrayce · 19 November 2009, 10:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Smith

I agree a pontoon would be nice
i would like to camp next time so being able to tie up and or mybe sleep on board would be nice.get to shower etc.
its so near that it would get more people over if it was a bit more user friendly

There are no issues to you mooring in Saye Bay next to the campsite - its free! unlike Braye. It is obviously weather dependent. You can try Longy as well but there are no showers.

Cheers

Erin · 19 November 2009, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by mainbrayce

There are no issues to you mooring in Saye Bay next to the campsite - its free! unlike Braye. It is obviously weather dependent. You can try Longy as well but there are no showers.

Cheers

Technically I think you must have entered Braye harbour first as the registered port of entry for customs purposes etc, but after that, you can drop anchor in any of the bays you fancy.

BassBoy · 19 November 2009, 19:27

Malty
Sad to say that over the last 20 years, I have very rarely had a pleasant/comfortable night on board in Braye! Admittedly I have only visited on the mother ships(s)-10and11m yacht(s).
It maybe just my bad luck. (Mrs BB has vowed 'never' to visit again!). But, until there is some sort of Wave Screen to reduce the Surge that comes in, it is unlikely we shall visit in anything less than 300gt! (sounds like this may not happen until next century)

Seriously though.......a beautiful island on a good day. May risk a visit on the Rubber One next year.