Cruising Guide - Alderney
Ancasta Yacht and Motor Boat Clubs
When the Ancasta Yacht Club and Ancasta Motor Boat Club rallies visited the picturesque island of Alderney this summer, crews were captivated by its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and friendly locals.
The northernmost island of the inhabited Channel Islands, Alderney is located close to France’s wild Cotentin Peninsula and is a quick hop away from Guernsey and Sark, making it a great starting point for cruising adventures.
Stuart Brotherton, Ancasta’s Brand Manager for Beneteau, explains why this majestic isle is a must-visit destination for cruisers exploring the Channel this summer…
A Friendly Welcome
Alderney is, without doubt, one of the friendliest places we’ve visited as part of the Ancasta Yacht and Motor Boat Clubs.
On arrival at Braye Harbour, we were met by the friendly Harbour Team, who guided us to our moorings and arranged for a water taxi to take everyone ashore. The local facilities are impressive, too, with 70 visitor mooring buoys, a sheltered anchorage area, fuel, water, showers, toilets, laundry, engineering and chandlery and duty-free goods – everything you need for a hassle-free getaway.
Once on dry land, the close-knit island community invited us with open arms to discover their little piece of paradise where life is slow-paced and reminiscent of a bygone era. In particular, the members of Alderney Yacht Club are incredibly welcoming. Our ever-attentive hosts made us feel right at home in the club bar and treated us to a delicious sunset BBQ on the terrace followed by samples of their unique local tipple – Milk-o-Punch.
Local Foodie Delights
From fine dining at high-end restaurants and delicious lunches with ocean views to afternoon tea in sunny gardens and fresh fish and chips by the harbour, Alderney boasts an array of culinary delights made with fresh local ingredients.
We particularly enjoyed lunch at The Georgian House. With a mix of British pub grub, and fresh locally sourced shellfish, there was something to suit everyone’s tastes. Even as a large group, nothing was too much trouble, and all the crews had a wonderful evening here.
For those who enjoy live music, The Georgian House also hosts fantastic music events in their sun trapped garden. Alternatively, check out the events calendar at The Moorings Bar; while away the evening with a glass of wine to lively tunes overlooking Braye Bay.
Golden Sand Beaches
Alderney is a treasure trove of golden beaches with beautiful bays around every headland. Braye Beach is the crown jewel with stunning white sand lapped by calm waters sheltered by an impressive 1.4km breakwater. A stone’s throw from the main harbour, Braye was a firm favourite among Ancasta Yacht Club members wanting to stretch their legs and soak up the stunning scenery.
Fancy dip? Relax and unwind on Saye Beach on the Northeast Coast. Sheltered by rocky headlands, a shimmering crescent of sand leads you down to crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming. If you get up early, you’ll likely have the beach all to yourself, save for a couple of oystercatchers and the resident grey seal.
Or, if wildlife spotting is on your must-do list, head further west to discover a wide shingle beach, Platte Saline, protected by Fort Doyle and Fort Tourgis and home to a variety of birds, including the Ring Plover.
Each year the Ancasta Yacht Club looks to create series of fun, informal events that are open to owners looking to take their boats to places they have not been before, to places they are perhaps not comfortable cruising to on their own or simply open to those who enjoy cruising in company. With a professional skipper, the cruises are safe and a fantastic opportunity to try new things and share experiences with fellow boat owners.
Each year the Ancasta Motorboat Club looks to create series of fun, informal events that are open to owners looking to take their boats to places they have not been before, to places they are perhaps not comfortable cruising to on their own or simply open to those who enjoy cruising in company. With a professional skipper, the cruises are safe and a fantastic opportunity to try new things and share experiences with fellow boat owners.