NAUTICAL

The sea has been the central influence in defining and shaping the character of the islands and their people. Shipbuilding, privateering, trading, fishing and tourism: it is impossible to overestimate the historical, social and commercial importance of the ocean to the islands of Guernsey.

The islands offer some of the most challenging and rewarding racing and cruising conditions in Europe, with steady winds, secluded bays, big tides and world-class marina facilities. St Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey, is a tumbling, picturesque town of cobbled streets with French names and a waterfront of shops, housed in cellars that once stored privateers' booty. This is a town for eating and drinking and a cosmopolitan cornucopia of fine restaurants await crews in search of a good run ashore. With its surrounding islands of Alderney, Herm and Sark, all set against the backdrop of the neighbouring Normandy coast, Guernsey is probably the definitive location for cruising in Europe.