With the summer in full swing and the Island’s sailing programme progressing at a rate of knots, the scene is set for the 21st edition of the Jersey Regatta, the Island’s ‘flagship’ sailing event. Slated for 6th to 8th September, the Island’s combined clubs’ ‘jamboree’ will be held, as ever, in the beautiful arena of St Aubin’s Bay and adjacent coastal waters.

Key to the ongoing success of this most popular of events is the warm regatta community atmosphere in which competitors of all ages and experience compete in sportsboat, cruiser/racer, Quarter Ton, dayboat, dinghy, sport catamaran and windsurfer classes. The organisers’ guiding principle is to ensure a great welcome and three days of camaraderie, fun and keen racing for all. Visiting boats, especially, provide that added ingredient that puts the local sailors on their mettle whilst, often, winning many of the prizes and coveted silverware.

The Regatta gets under way on Thursday 5th September with the traditional welcoming reception in St Helier YC. The racing programme opens on Friday morning with a long race for the sportsboat and cruiser/racer classes, the ‘small boat’ classes racing later that afternoon. Friday’s races are ‘standalone’ whilst races held on Saturday and Sunday count towards the Jersey Regatta class championships, in each class, and the IRC Channel Islands Championships that are the major feature of the cruiser/racer programme.

All IRC-rated boats will be competing for the Championship titles and, additionally, the great prizes provided by Spinlock, the IRC Sponsors. This year sees a change in the Sportsboat and Class 1 programme with two longer races replacing the traditional three ’round the cans’ races on both days.

However, this sailing extravaganza is not only about competing, winning and having a good time on the water, it is complimented by a lively social programme ashore that is intended to provide everyone with plenty of opportunity to unwind and enjoy the camaraderie and ever-warm welcome that awaits them in the Clubs.

For local and visiting boats alike, Jersey Marinas, supporters from the first edition in 1999, will be providing complimentary berthing and will be available to provide such other assistance as may be needed to help things run smoothly.

Condor Ferries, also long-time supporters, are providing discounted fares for those Regatta entrants wishing to transport their boats to the Island; this kind offer covers accompanied boats on trailers, towing vehicles and their passengers on all of Condor Ferries’ routes for bookings made no later than 11th August. Full details of this concession can be found on www.jerseyregatta.com and d.facebook.com/JerseyRegatta

The Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions are, also, available on www.jerseyregatta.com; boats should enter on-line through the website. Entry fees are discounted for ‘early birds’ who submit their entries no later than 12th August; thereafter, the standard fees apply up to 29th August when entries close.

For further information, contact the Regatta office on 00 44 (0) 1534 732229 or by email info@jerseyregatta.com

Sport catamaran start in the UBS 20th Jersey Regatta – photo © LBJ Photography

by Bill Harris