UBS Jersey Regatta 2016 ready to go
by Bill Harris 1 Sep 2016 06:08 PDT
9-11 September 2016
IRC fleet on the run at the 2015 UBS Jersey Regatta © Louise Bennett-Jones
With a week to go, the scene is set for the combined clubs' 'flagship' sailing event, the UBS Jersey Regatta, taking place in the Island's coastal waters and the beautiful natural arena of St Aubin's Bay from 9th to 11th September. Now in its eighteenth year, the Regatta is sponsored for the fourth year running by Jersey's leading wealth management company, UBS AG.
As the biggest multi-class event in the calendar, competitors of all ages and experience will be racing over the three days, in sportsboat, cruiser/racer, dayboat, dinghy, sport catamaran and, new this year, windsurfer classes. All can expect a very warm welcome and three days of fun, excitement and great racing. The Regatta regularly attracts 80 boats, or more, with boats from Guernsey, the UK and France adding to the thrill of the event whilst giving local boats a lot to think about as they battle it out for the dazzling array of silverware and place prizes that are up for grabs.
An added feature, this year, is the Spinlock IRC Channel Islands Regional Championship that is sure to focus the minds of boats racing in the cruiser classes. This prestigious championship is open to boats with an IRC rating and is hosted every year, within the Jersey and Guernsey Regattas. Now in its third year, this will be the second time that it will have been hosted by Jersey.
The Regatta opens on the Friday morning with a coastal race for cruisers and fast sport catamarans (a race around the Island, if there's a fair wind or held off the south coast should conditions so dictate). The dayboat, small sport catamaran and dinghy fleets appear on the scene from mid-afternoon. On Saturday and Sunday, all classes are scheduled to compete in three back-to-back races in and off St Aubin's Bay. From a spectator point of view, this will undoubtedly present an impressive sight, particularly for those with a good vantage point.
Boats who have yet to enter should note that the closing date is Tuesday 6th September. The entry form is in the Notice of Race, available on www.jerseyregatta.com and as a hard copy in the clubs. Entry fees cover everything, except for the Regatta Party being held in the RCIYC on the Saturday evening. All this, coupled with free berthing generously provided by Jersey Marinas, must surely make the UBS Jersey Regatta one of the best value-for-money and enticing events on the regatta circuit!
The Regatta's chosen charity is the Jubilee Sailing Trust whose mission is to promote the integration of people of all physical abilities through the challenge and adventure of tall ship sailing aboard two very special ships, the Lord Nelson and Tenacious.
Further information can be obtained by calling the Regatta office on 00 44 (0) 1534 732229 or by e-mailing .
Important note: For those seeking accommodation, 'Visit Jersey' (www.jersey.com) is a great starting point but, be aware, the Island will be very busy at this time and early booking is a must.