Hi All – well, we made it! My first ever sail over the Channel, weith a 'new country for my list' as the desirable bait to get me on board.
(And yes, according to my rules, it IS a new country – same as getting to a new Caribbean island, just slightly less rum punch available on arrival, and thank god, no Bob Marley played endlessly on loop…)
And what a cute place – really nice (almost) boutique hotel – the Braye Beach – in best location on the island to stay at (if you don't come en bateau). Its own little airline to get you there (Hawksey can remember its name if you want to go). A vast array of stunning white sand beaches with no-one on them, plus – honestly – turquoise waters – even if you do need a wetsuit to get in there. 18 pubs, so no more.
A sweet cobbledy high street. Amazing opportunity to cycle round visiting the wild and rocky side then the beaches on the other side… all very do-able by bike, which are for hire everywhere for £6 a day. And a fruits de mer option at the hotel if you want to stuff your face with seafood (ok Margo, maybe this one's not for you)
Think Cornwall without the crowds and with better beaches!
Easy to BBQ right on the beach with no-one to stop you – we had a ball.
Cracking place for a weekend away.
Hats off to Pam & Woodsie for your company – and a special mention to Swighty who – after we had left Alderney at 4am to sail home, had to dive under the boat with a knife in the FREEZING Channel – to release the rope and weed that had cunningly tied itself round our propeller only 3 miles offshore, and with 65 miles left to sail. Above and beyond the course of duty – and BLOODY glad it wasn't me!
Photos to follow… sx