Castle Cornet, St. Peter Fort, Guernsey
Guernsey Capital St. Peter Port
Guernsey cows, Channel Islands
channel islands (English Channel)
° Jersey ° Guernsey ° Alderney ° Sark
I arrived in Jersey by accident. While studying at Oxford for the summer, a classmate said I would love the small islands off the coast of England. I have no idea why he thought so as I was partying very hard on weekends during session breaks -- so much so that I won the title of the "fastest ass in Salisbury" (more on that later -- it's not what you think -- or maybe it is).
He handed me his guide book with my promise to return it when I got back to San Francisco. I still have that guidebook around my house somewhere . . . PLEASE never loan me a book or anything you wish to keep. Perhaps he thought I needed a break from my own insanity.
The silence of Jersey, Guernsey, and especially Sark, are broken only from the sounds of wind, waves, and the occasional choir. Sark is saved even from the sounds of motor vehicles as none are allowed on the Island.
The small islands are dynamic. The Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm are conveniently situated between France and the south coast of England and as such are popular tourist destinations with those from both Mainland Europe and the UK.
While there are ferryboats between the islands, it is also quite easy to hitch a ride from one island to the next which I learned by accident. After a week of being quiet on Sark, and picking up yarn to knit a sweater, I decided it was time to hop the ferry back to Jersey. Turned out that I'd missed the last one for a few days. A young Frenchman in the harbor noticed my distress, said that he and his friends (a husband and wife, also French) were sailing back to Jersey and I could come along if I wished. I ran up the hill, packed fast, ran back down the hill and hopped on Board. People have asked me if I didn't think this a dangerous thing to do. No. They were nice young people, around my age, cleancut, on vacation and nothing seemed amiss. Also, those islands are so close together that a strong swimmer could reach any one of them if hypothermia didn't set in --that water IS cold.
Sailing Around The Channel Islands
Of course, sailing is an extremely popular pastime for locals from all of the Channel Islands, as well as other water-sports such as surfing, rowing, canoeing, windsurfing and diving. Due to their close proximity to each other, as well as both mainland France and England, it is easy to island hop to explore the Channel Islands at one's own pace.
Alderney
Yacht Chartering in Jersey
In Jersey, for experienced sailors there is the opportunity to bareboat charter a yacht with Jersey Sailing either for a day, weekend, or longer. While for those unfamiliar to sailing, one may skipper charter, where local skippers are able to take one to the best ports, bays and restaurants around the islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Herm or Sark.
The main harbour of St. Helier in Jersey has multiple amenities available for visiting yachtsmen including the following pontoon facilities: disabled access, CCTV, drying out blocks, electricity, fuel, water and WiFi. While onshore facilities include a cafe, laundrette, toilets, showers, refuse disposal, disabled facilities, tourist information, shop and parking.
Nearby the Marina, there is also a Chandlers, boat yard/servicing, taxi and bus station as well as a travel hoist and ferry terminal.
Guernsey
The beautiful island of Guernsey is both a renowned Offshore Finance Centre and an ideal holiday destination for those wishing to have a break from the hectic pace of life on the Mainland. Other charming holiday locations within the Bailiwick of Guernsey include Alderney (excellent for keen birdwatchers), Sark and Herm which are both car-free and perfect for families.
For those keen on water-sports, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy including windsurfing, dinghy sailing, kayaking, yacht chartering, scuba-diving and surfing. The latter has increased in popularity in recent years as a result of Guernsey Surf School which is located opposite the stunning Vazon Bay.
Sark
In 2010, the little island of Sark situated just off the coast of Guernsey brought an end to its claim of being the last feudal state in Europe. It had been controlled by the Dame of Sark (Dame Hathaway), who was seigneur. The island has always had the hereditary title of seigneur who has effectively been in charge of decision making on the island. However, despite the island people voting for an elected, democratic government, the title of seigneur will remain, although whether it is in a name-only capactity I am unsure.
Brechou, a tiny island next door to Sark, is privately owned by the billionaire Barclay Brothers who, since moving there have pretty much campaigned and pushed for an end to the feudal nature of the Sark administration. I really hope that the island will not lose its charm from change. No cars are allowed on the island, most people get around by horse and cart or walking, and it really is the most beautiful, unspoilt . . . and quiet . . . island. It’s a wonderful place, and if anyone wants a place to stay for a weekend where there is nothing to do other than walking, relaxing, reading and eating, then Sark is the place to be!
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude