In preparation for our departure from Guernsey we arranged today to visit the commercial harbour of St Sampsons and fill up with diesel from the visiting road tanker. This economic alternative to the Boatworks fuel berth is popular with locals and increasingly with visiting boats, attracted by the favourable rates. We booked a time to meet the driver on the quay, checking first that it would coincide with the limited high water access into the port. The harbour entrance is clearly marked and the fueling quay is immediately to the right, and equipped with a convenient mooring rope.

With this mission successfully accomplished, we headed north for the short trip to Beaucette Marina, a former quarry which was connected to the sea in 1970 by blasting a narrow channel through the granite cliffs. Now run by Premier Marinas, the boats here are mainly permanent berth-holders. The handful of visitors are accommodated on a pontoon immediately to port as you reach the breakwater. On the night we visited a freshening easterly breeze blew straight into the entrance all night, giving us possibly our worst night's sleep afloat, so try to get one of the permanent berths if you can.

The small proportion of visitors give Beaucette an air of peace and tranquility after the hustle and bustle of St Peter Port. The coast path, which starts in the car park, runs along the rocky north coast past the 19th century fortifications which protected Fontenelle bay from potential intruders. Further west, l'Ancresse bay forms one of Guernsey's popular beaches.

In the evening the popular Marina Restaurant draws its clientelle from far afield for the varied and well presented dishes and efficient service.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 6 nm

Total to date: 536 nm

Avg Speed: 10 knots

Duration: 1 hour

Wind: NE 2-3

Diesel: 20 litres, 23p/l

Mooring: £27

Electricity: Included

Charts

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