With summer well under way and the island carefully navigating its way through the uncharted waters of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the scene is set for the 22nd edition of the combined clubs’ Jersey Regatta, sponsored, in its first year, by leading offshore law firm Carey Olsen.
This ‘flagship’ sailing event, scheduled for Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September, has a packed programme designed to provide keen competition, coupled with a truly welcoming and convivial spirit, for boats in cruiser, quarter ton, sports boat, dayboat, dinghy, sport catamaran and windsurfer classes. Racing takes place over all three days in the beautiful confines of St Aubin’s Bay and, in the case of the ‘big’ boat fleet, adjacent coastal waters.
Racing will get under way on Friday morning with a coastal race for the cruiser/racers whilst the ‘small boat’ classes come to the line later that afternoon. These races are ‘standalone’ whilst those held on Saturday and Sunday count towards the day prizes, Carey Olsen Jersey Regatta class championships and the 7th Spinlock IRC Channel Islands Regional Championships, the major feature of the IRC cruiser/racer programme.
Visiting boats always receive a very warm welcome and provide the added ingredient that heightens competition and puts local sailors on their mettle. However, intending visitors must familiarise themselves with Jersey’s COVID-19 guidelines which are described in Ports of Jersey’s Notice to Mariners Nr 20, available here.
In normal times, a well-established social programme runs from Thursday through to the prize-giving and closure on Sunday. This year, however, the government’s COVID-19 guidelines apply and are likely to have an impact on what can be offered. The organisers will be keeping the options under review and will modify the programme accordingly.
Having supported the Regatta since its inception in 1999, Jersey Marinas will again be providing complimentary berthing along with such other assistance as boats may need to ensure that all have the best possible experience of the event.
The Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions and online entry are available through the Regatta website, found here. Entry fees are discounted for ‘early birds’ who sign up no later than 21st August; thereafter, standard fees apply up to 4th September when entries close.
Regatta Chairman Bill Harris commented: “I am delighted to report that all is going well as the Regatta approaches. The lock down had caused the sailing programme to be paused for three months and it was a great relief to see racing restart in May. Turnouts have been excellent, ever since, with excitement and anticipation in the air as we all look forward to a truly great event in Carey Olsen’s first year with us”.
For further information, contact the Regatta office on +44 (0)1534 732229 or e-mail info@jerseyregatta.com.
