Heritage
Guernsey 's maritime heritage is a deliciously salty stew of heroism, disaster, opportunism, mercantile innovation and military skill. Through centuries of toil the Guernseyman has forged himself a reputation as a unique master mariner.
In Roman times Guernsey was a major trading link with Iron Age Britain. Later, between 1815 and 1880 the island had over 20 boat building yards producing over 40,000 tons of shipping. Smugglers and privateers that drank in St Peter Port were the scourge of the Channel, depriving the Crown of millions of pounds of revenue.
Many Guernseymen, longing for fame and fortune, sailed far and wide to fight and trade. William Le Lacheur became a national hero in Costa Rica and turned it into the wealthiest nation in Central America due to his export of coffee to London. Philip Saumarez was part of Anson's famous circumnavigation of the world and his nephew, James, became Vice Admiral of Great Britain in 1757.
But names are just flat stones that skim the surface of Guernsey's nautical past. Victor Hugo, the island's most famous resident, summed up the bond between Guernsey and the sea:
"The industry of the sea, which created ruin, has been succeeded by the industry of man, which has made a people."
ROCQUAINE REGATTA 01 Aug 2009 - 01 Aug 2009
The Rocquaine Regatta has a long and distinguished reputation for fun. A full day (and evening) of free entertainment and activities for both the young and young at heart, inc...
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MORLAIX YACHT RACE 21 May 2009 - 21 May 2009
Around 130 yachts and 650 yachtsmen set off from this enchanting north Brittany port on the annual Morlaix Yacht Club Telegramme Tresco Trophy. The boats hail from French port...
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