Free night scheme draws 300 mariners since April

Passport Escales is a reciprocal agreement which means leisure boaters can stay for free for two nights

A scheme that allows boat owners to stay for free at more than 150 marinas across Europe has attracted more than 300 mariners to Guernsey since April.

Guernsey Ports became a member of the scheme, Passeport Escales - which is a reciprocal agreement - in April.

Boats visiting Guernsey from participating marinas get the first two nights free.

In total, berth holders can claim up to 10 nights per season, with the cost covered by the home port.

As part of the deal the island is promoted across the network of marinas in the UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Kieran Higgs, the assistant harbour-master, said it had already attracted more than 300 mariners to the island and "this has helped put Guernsey on the map and promote our excellent cruising grounds to a whole new audience".

"We are already seeing the benefits of that," he said.

Local berth holders do need to register to be included in the scheme, and can do so by contacting the Marine Services Centre.