Guernsey
Thursdays Child
Robin & Joanna Minchin
Fri 15 May 2015 19:51
002.32.066W
Victoria Marina, St Peter Port, Guernsey
We are particularly pleased to be sitting in the very calm Guernsey Marina after a pretty bumpy night at anchor in Alderney.
Bol's tidal calculations for entering the 'Alderney Race' this morning were spot on and after a very nerve racking exit from the anchorage with swell crashing on teeth-shaped rocks either side of the fairway channel, we were soon heading south at 10+ knots towards Guernsey.
Many other yachts with similar plans meant excitement upon arrival at St Peter Port with the harbour masters buzzing about directing boats here and there. To add to the interest there was a May Day call on the VHF radio where someone had struck a rock and was taking on water so the Guernsey lifeboat was called out. Huge high speed ferries dominating the skyline kicked up enormous wash when they left and a P&O passenger ship at anchor was shipping guests in and out of the harbour.
We really felt we had once again come in from the wilderness to mayhem, and it was fun just to sit and watch the activity from the safety of the waiting pontoon.
And then a delightful coincidence, Bol went to catch the lines of another yacht who turned out to be from Yarmouth. The last photo below is for the benefit of John and Jane Bennet :) and is of a spontaneous tea party on board with Pat and Trevor once we had all come over the sill into Victoria Marina.
Manoeuvring into our pontoon (which was one of the tightest we have negotiated during the last 9 months) was made even more exciting by Harry and Isabelle depositing a bag full of toy cars and aeroplanes across the deck in front of Bol just as he made the final turn.
With Marina wifi, here are a few happy snaps of the last few days.
xx
