With daughters, Debbie and Della, safely on board having arrived via plane and ferry we finally left St Peter Port for Jersey after a welcome week of lay days. Both ports have a tidal sill so we had to leave as soon as the sill opened in Guernsey in order to arrive whilst the marina in Jersey was still accessible. It was another calm and sunny day and there was no problem making the direct passage between St Peter Port and Corbiere. We had tracked the waypoints whilst on the Condor ferry and so it was no surprise to see it appear behind us, gaining rapidly at its customary 40 knots.

The western passage along the south side of the island runs close inshore and we had a good view of the rugged coastline as we approached the harbour. We had arranged berths for ourselves and TimChris in the Elizabeth marina, rather than taking our chances in the visitors marina. As we would be leaving the boat here for a few days this would avoid any problems being rafted up in this busiest week of the season.

The entrance to the Elizabeth marina is just behind the 15th century castle of the same name, and as we waited for the entrance traffic lights we saw the amphibious 'Puddle Duck' taking its latest load of visitors. Ashore another major event in the island's history is commemorated by the Major Peirson petit train, named after the gallant officer who gave his life to protect his homeland from French invasion. The tour of the town takes in the new waterfront development as well as the historic fortifications and remnants of the German occupation.

Miraculously our visit had coincided with the biggest event on the summer calender, the Battle of Flowers.

Much of the Esplanade had been taken over by the grandstand seating, but the three mile promenade was still much in use by cyclists, joggers and roller bladers. On the far side of the bay, the pretty harbour of St Aubin's is protected by its own small fort.

The "Battle" consists of flower bedecked floats from parishes and clubs around the island which compete for the coveted Prix d'Honneur. Much of the island closed down for the afternoon as everyone seemed to be either involved in the procession or cheering on their friends and neighbours.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 28 nm

Total to date: 1928 nm

Avg Speed: 8 knots

Duration: 3:45 hours

Diesel: 98 litres

Wind: NE 2-3

Mooring: £18

Electricity: Included (16A)

Water: Included

Charts

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