Braye Harbour

Braye Harbour is Alderney's main transportation link for goods arriving on the island, and hosts a customs station for visitors arriving on the island. The commercial quay is currently under redevelopment. To view the Alderney quay refurbishment webcam please click on the following link - www.alderneyquay.info

There are 70 yellow visitors' mooring buoys, and it is possible to raft up on these in good weather. All other mooring buoys are private, and should not be used without permission. The anchorage in the middle of the bay has good holding ground in sand, but there are areas of rock and weed.

Towards the entrance of the harbour, the bottom is generally more rocky. Because of the tidal range at Springs (up to 6.3m), a good scope of anchor line should be used, especially if anchoring in shoal areas. It is not permitted to anchor in the Fairway or close to Braye Jetty, or to tie up to Braye Jetty without permission.

Facilities - around the Harbour

The Harbourmaster's Office is at the south west end of the harbour, near the entrance to Little Crabby Harbour. The Dinghy pontoon, dinghy slipway, showers, toilets, launderette, telephones, chandlers and a skip for rubbish are all nearby; the launderette is in the same building as the showers, and uses £1 coins - both are open 24 hours a day in the summer, but the showers are closed in the winter.

A water taxi service is in operation. Call Mainbrayce Taxi VHF Ch.37

The nearest post box is at the Railway Station at the crossroads at the end of Braye Street, about 1.5 cables S of the harbour; only Alderney and Guernsey stamps may be used.

Fresh water is available from alongside Mainbrayce Chandlers, and also from a tap at the top of the dinghy slipway and at Braye Jetty by arrangement with the Harbour Office.

Mainbrayce Chandlers in Little Crabby Bay is accessible to yachts approximately +/-2 hrs HW. A tide gauge at the entrance indicates depth of water alongside. Mainbrayce is open 0830-1800 seven days a week in the summer and provides fresh water, diesel, bottled gas, spares and mechanical assistance.

Regulations

The harbour speed limit is 4 knots, which also applies in Saye, Corblets and Longis bays. It is not permitted to tie up to the commercial quay or the breakwater, nor beach on Braye or Saye bays. For Customs clearance, Braye is the only port of entry, and all vessels entering from outside the Bailiwick of Guernsey must complete a customs form - UK forms are not valid. Customs must be notified of any animals aboard - UK rules apply.

NOTICE TO CHARTER ANGLING / DIVING VESSELS VISITING BRAYE HARBOUR

All Charter angling and diving vessels that intend to visit Braye Harbour should be aware that the jurisdiction of the MCA does not extend to the Channel Islands and that each of the main Channel Islands has its own Merchant Shipping legislation.

The Harbour Authority, who act as the Maritime Authority, will accept your MCA certification and the Alderney Passenger Vessel Licensing Ordinance exempts you from the provisions of local legislation provide that the visit to the Island is in the course of a trip pre-arranged to begin and end at a place outside the Island and that persons join the pre-arranged trip and leave it, at a place outside the Island.

In plainer English: you must bring your passengers with you and take them away with you. You may not fly your passengers in, ply for hire or take any person that is not part of the compliment bought to the Island to sea on board your vessel. Failure to comply with this Ordinance is a breach of the Merchant Shipping Act and will be dealt with firmly.