World Country Guide

Sport & Activities

Sailing
Visitors sailing to Alderney arrive at Braye Harbour (protected by a Victorian breakwater) and those registered with recognised yacht clubs can enjoy the hospitality of the Alderney Sailing Club (situated above the harbour). For information on customs and navigational details, contact the Harbour Master (tel: (01481) 822 620; fax: (01481) 823 699). Alderney is well located for sailing excursions to the other Channel Islands and France (which is only 12km/8 miles away). The Sailing Club organises several annual events and races, including the Alderney International Sailing Regatta (usually held in July). For further details (including boat hire and sailing classes), contact the Alderney Sailing Club, The Harbour (tel: (01481) 822 959).

Watersports
Alderney is surrounded by numerous sandy beaches suitable for swimming and windsurfing. Surf/sail boards are available for hire on the island. Dogs are banned from most of the islands’ beaches between June and September. Some of the best beaches can be found on Arch Bay, Braye Bay (also popular for water-skiing), Clonque (a beach for naturalists), Corblets (one of the best swimming beaches), Longis Bay (next to Longis Common, which offers good birdwatching), Platte Saline (also for naturalists; swimming is not recommended due to strong undercurrents) and Say (pronounced ‘Soy’).
Fishing is well catered for: no permission is needed to fish anywhere from the coastline or the harbour and the local shop offers equipment and advice. The Angling Festival is held annually in October. Sea fishing enthusiasts are able to charter small boats.

Walking
All parts of the island can be reached on foot and there are some interesting panoramic walks along the cliffs. Every weekend during the main season, the Alderney Society and the States Conservation Officer organise guided walks. Leaflets of recommended walks are available from the States of Alderney Tourism Office (see Contact Addresses section).

Other
There is a well maintained 9-hole golf course with a bowling green. Green fees are comparatively low compared to the rest of the Channel Islands. For information, contact the Alderney Golf Club (tel: (01481) 822 835). Facilities are available on the island for both squash and tennis.