Explore: St Helier
General Info
This is the main port for Jersey and is busy with yachts, ferries and small commercial vessels. It is a vibrant little town with plenty to interest the visitors.
Position: 49° 10’12″N, 02° 07’12″W (harbor entrance)
Clearance
Port Control is on VHF Channel 14 and should be monitored during the approach. Contact only if essential.
There are traffic lights controlling the entrance into the main harbour. A green light shown on Victoria pierhead means that a vessel may enter, while a red light allows vessels to leave only.
Report to the Harbour Office in St Helier marina if international clearance is required. Collect and complete the appropriate form and deposit it in the special box by the entrance ramp. This should be done within 2 hours of arrival.
Note: La Collette basin is no longer used as a waiting area, nor is it normally available for visitors.
Last updated August 2018.
Docking
There are three marinas in St Helier, but only St Helier Marina (the ‘Town marina’) is normally open to visiting yachts. The all-tide La Collette Yacht Basin, previously available to visitors, is now reserved for residents only.
St Helier marina – photo courtesy of SY Lady Jane – is close to the centre of the town and recently the number of available berths has been increased. If arriving outside the cill opening times (approximately HW +/-3hrs), moor to the holding pontoon just to port of the marina entrance – close to the gate for those yachts planning to move inside; further back for those planning to stay outside. On busy weekends, the rafting up required here is quite something! There is a digital tidal gauge by the cill.
The approach channels, through this rock-strewn area, are well marked, but as there are several converging from different directions, it is important to identify the correct marks on the chosen route. Also, beware of the cross tides, which can be up to 4 knots. The number of high-speed ferries using this port makes a good all-round look-out essential.
In settled weather, there are many anchorages in the various bays along the south coast of the island.
Last updated: August 2018.
