Guernsey’s Sprint yachts regatta [latest]

Modern classic yacht design and build company Spirit Yachts has chosen Guernsey to host its first ever regatta.

Taking place from 25th June to 2nd July, the event will see a fleet of Spirit yachts take on a six-race series in local waters.

The regatta is being organised in partnership with Locate Guernsey and the Guernsey Yacht Club, and is an opportunity for approximately 120 participants to visit the island and experience the local lifestyle, both on and off the water.

Locate Guernsey’s Jo Stoddart said: “The regatta will showcase Guernsey as a relocation destination, both to the race participants and to a much wider audience through the promotion of the event over the coming months.

“We know from our experience in working with relocators that they are drawn to Guernsey because of its lifestyle, our pristine waters, beautiful coastline and ease of enjoying hobbies like sailing. Our target audience is very much aligned with those who buy and sail Spirit yachts.

“Beyond the participants, images of Guernsey and the races will be seen by thousands of like-minded individuals through promotion of the event and in race reports.”

The regatta will comprise a six-race series of passage, round the cans, and windward/leeward courses organised by the Guernsey Yacht Club (GYC).

Yacht owners and their crews will be accommodated in local holiday lets and hotels over the week and will enjoy Guernsey’s restaurants and bars. “It’s an excellent way for us to show this audience the many reasons why people choose to move here,” said Ms Stoddart.

Spirit Yachts has won international awards for its commitment to lowering the carbon footprint of the company and its yachts during construction, operation and at end of life. This commitment will be echoed throughout the week-long regatta.

Ms Stoddart explained: “The event organisers are determined to use local produce wherever possible, there will be no single-use plastics, limited printed collateral, and visiting yacht owners and their crews are being encouraged to hire e-bikes to get around the island. This is an opportunity to show Guernsey as somewhere you can live a more sustainable lifestyle and, of course, we know our local produce is first-class. It is another way we can use this event to showcase the best of Guernsey.”

The regatta will also raise funds for the Guernsey Sailing Trust.

Commodore of the GYC, Anna Rivers, said, “We are thrilled to be welcoming Spirit Yachts and its fleet of stunning modern classic yachts to Guernsey. Our famously tidal waters and navigational challenges will make for a competitive series and a spectacle on the water.”

More information about the regatta race courses will be released in the build-up to the event in June. Some races will start and finish at Castle Cornet, with opportunities for islanders to spectate from the shoreline.

Sean McMillan, Spirit Yachts CEO, commented: “We were drawn to hold our inaugural regatta in Guernsey because it has so much to offer Spirit owners and crews. The local waters offer an exciting race environment and the Bailiwick’s hospitality is renowned, it’s the perfect destination for everyone involved.”

Entry is now open for the regatta.

Main picture by Paul Wyeth.