Because of strong tidal currents around the
Channel Islands careful study of the Tidal Atlas is recommended. At
spring tides high water is approximately 0800/2000 G.M.T. (8.9 range)
and at Neaps 0100/1300 (6.6m), slack water is approximately half tide
in the Little Russel. In the area charted, the main stream runs
North/North East at high water and South/South West at low water.
Maximum tidal flow will be experienced at high and low water. Tidal
rates vary from 5.25 knots during Springs and 2.25 during Neaps.
TRANSITS are the key to most Channel Island
pilotage and three ways into the Little Russel from the North are
shown:
LINE A is the long-distance day mark,
changing to the line B just abreast of Tautenay.
LINE B At night the 14 mile leading lights,
line B takes you down to St. Peter Port. Mariners should note that St.
Sampson's Harbour dries and is a commercial port.
LINE C is the most westerly leading mark
that can safely be used and is a good day and night mark, changing to
line B abreast of Corbette D'Arriont.
LINE D Leading line in point of Beaucette
Marina passing south of Canupe Beacon.
THE BIG RUSSEL is 2 miles wide and needs no
transits. Its sides are clearly marked. At night use the white sector
of Noir Pute Light House as far as the Lower Heads Buoy and then
Northward up the Little Russel to St. Peter Port.
RADIO NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
There are DF beacons at Guernsey Airport and
Castle Breakwater Light House. Platte Fougere is equipped with Racon
and Casquets light house has a Racon T. Weather forecasts from Jersey
Radio are broadcast on Channels 25 & 82 and 1726 Khz at 0645,
1245, 1845 and 2245 G.M.T. St. Peter Port Radio listens out on
Channels 16, 20 and 62 (link calls only) with Port Control on
Channel 12 for commercial traffic only. Visiting yachts will be
met by Port Control dorys in the harbour south fairway and can also
call on Channels 37 or 80 during office hours (8.30- 13.00 &
14.00- 17.00 Mon - Fri only). Beaucette Marina listens out on Channel
16 and Channel M.
