It would seem more logical to include Sark with Guernsey and Herm, but the tidal streams around its coastline are sufficiently complex to merit separating this area out. Again, the flow atlas in the RCC pilot book is the place to look for the details. Besides, Sark feels very much a place unto itself - dramatically different from the bustle of Guernsey or the managed orderliness of Herm.
South-west end of Big Russel: Around 1.5 miles south-east of Jethou: The north-east going stream begins at 3 hours before high water at St. Helier. The south-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 25 minutes after high water at St. Helier. The north-east going stream reaches a speed of 4.9 knots at springs. The south-west going stream reaches a speed of 5.4 knots at springs. Overfalls can form across the entire south-west end of the channel - see chart.
Centre of Big Russel: Halfway between the south-east cost of Herm and Brecqhou: The north-east going stream begins at 3 hours before high water at St. Helier. The south-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 30 minutes after high water at St. Helier. The north-east going stream reaches a speed of 5.2 knots at springs. The south-west going stream reaches a speed of 4.9 knots at springs. Overfalls form close to Noire Pute, a rock 1 mile east of the eastern point of Herm.
South East side of Big Russel: Close to Sark, the north-east going stream slackens half an hour earlier: The north-east going stream begins at 2 hours and 45 minutes before high water at St. Helier. The south-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 5 minutes after high water at St. Helier. The flow reaches a speed of 3.5 knots at springs.
Bec du Nez: The north-east going stream begins at 5 hours after high water at St. Helier. The south-west going stream begins at 1 hours before high water at St. Helier. The flow reaches a speed of 5 knots at springs. A strong race can from on the eastern side of the headland, especially on the north-going stream.
North-east coast of Sark: Inside a line between Bec du Nez and a point 2 miles north-east of Point Robert: The south-east going stream begins at 1 hours and 30 minutes before high water at St. Helier. The north-west going stream begins at 5 hours and 15 minutes before high water at St. Helier. The north-west going flow is weak. Much of this stream can be avoided by staying close inshore.
Eddy off north east coast of Sark: An eddy extends around 2 miles offshore during the north-east going stream in the Big Russel.
Goulet Passage: This is the channel between Les Burons and Sark The north going stream begins at 3 hours before high water at St. Helier. The south going stream begins at 3 hours after high water at St. Helier. The flow reaches a speed of 6 knots at springs. A confused sea can develop in the channel.
Between Derrible Point and the Goulet Passage: Around 500m north-east of Derrible Point: The north north-east going stream begins at 3 hours and 25 minutes before high water at St. Helier. The south south-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 30 minutes after high water at St. Helier. The north north-east going stream reaches a speed of 2.7 knots at springs. The south south-west going stream reaches a speed of 0.8 knots at springs. Flows around the point and in the Goulet Passage are likely faster.
Off the south-east coast of Sark: Inside of a line joining points 700m south of L'Etac and 2 miles north-east of Point Robert and in Baleine Bay: The north-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 45 minutes before high water at St. Helier. The south-west going stream begins at 2 hours and 45 minutes after high water at St. Helier. The north-east going stream reaches a speed of 2.5 knots at springs. The south-west going stream reaches a speed of 1.9 knots at springs. The south-west going flow is weak near Sark. Overfalls form to the north and north-east of L'Etac.
Between Sark and L'Étac: The east going stream begins at 3 hours and 45 minutes before high water at St. Helier. The west going stream begins at 3 hours and 45 minutes after high water at St. Helier. The tidal stream divides off the south tip of Sark, such that flows are different just to the west. The tide runs quickly, with a tide race developing, especially on the north-east going stream. Drying rocks in the channel can cause a confused flow. There are extensive overfalls to the east and north of L'Étac.
South-west coast of Little Sark: The south south-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 15 minutes after high water at St. Helier. The north north-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 45 minutes before high water at St. Helier. The flow divides off the south tip of Sark, such that the tidal stream times are different just to the east.
Gouliot Passage: Between Sark and Brecqhou: The north going stream begins at 2 hours and 50 minutes before high water at St. Helier. The south going stream begins at 3 hours and 30 minutes after high water at St. Helier. The flow reaches a speed of 7 knots at springs.
Eddy north west Sark: An eddy forms behind Brecqhou during the north-east going stream, from just before high water at St. Helier until 3 hours after high water at St. Helier.
Almost the entire coastline of Sark is made up of steep cliffs. There are relatively few spots to land and fewer from which it is possible to climb onto the flat top of the island.
Havre Gosselin: (-) g One of the few options for landing on the west coast of Sark. Steep steps lead onto a concrete harbour wall. It is possible to leave kayaks here and wall up the steep path onto the island.
Creux : (-) g The main landing on Sark, Creux is a drying harbour connected to the road by a tunnel through the rock. It is possible to arrange to have people and bags driven up the road and to the La Valette campsite (01481 832066). Maseline harbour to the north is a much more awkward landing, with steep steps, and is busier, being used by the tourist boats.
Sark: Sark is a more committing paddle than Herm, as reaching it requires crossing the Big Russel. Although this runs no faster than the Little Russel it is much wider. Note that the part of the channel nearest Sark experiences somewhat different slack water times, so that following a bearing at slack water from Herm and expecting to be pushed one direction then the other may not work.
The streams around Sark itself are rather complex. The tidal atlas in the RCC pilot is the best place to find all the details. The coastline is impressive, and the circumnavigation of the island is very worthwhile. If possible, it's worth staying on Sark. We found it to be an extremely friendly place. The staff at the Crux harbour cafe could not have been more helpful. It's possible to have your kit driven up to the campsite from here, but we opted to climb up from Havre Gosselin instead to make it easier to return to Herm the next day.