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.
Guernsey Harbour Authority
