Sail past today to mark yacht club anniversary

Starting at 11am, members past and present are invited to join in.

The commodore, John Falla, together with former Bailiff Sir Richard Collas and harbour master Captain David Barker will fire a cannon to mark the crossing of the first and last boats in the procession.

‘The weather is now looking favourable for this to be a great event,’ said Mr Falla.

‘The Guernsey Yacht Club is one of the largest sporting and social clubs on the island with around 1,800 members, and we continue to welcome new members from all walks of life and from all aspects of the boating community, from those without boats keen to start out or crew to those who have crossed oceans.

‘In our 130th season, we have for this year waived our joining fee and have experienced a very high level of new members joining during this staycation summer to enjoy the great facilities that we offer.

‘We are delighted to be so well supported by members on this anniversary, notwithstanding the challenges that Covid-19 has presented us with this year.’

Motor yachts, sailing yachts and Ribs will congregate in the Little Russel, bedecked in flags, before making their way inside the distance mark – the most northerly of two yellow buoys east of the castle that lines up with the club’s race hut within the castle.

The commodore will be saluted as they make their way around Gabrielle buoy in Fermain Bay before returning past the castle outside the distance mark and disbanding.

At this point, the smaller sailing dinghies, rowing boats and the club’s juniors will join in the procession before turning around Terres buoy.

Members’ families, including both children and grandchildren have been welcomed to join the procession that will see past commodores and flag officers join in on the water or watching from the castle.

For anyone who is unable to join in the procession on the sea, Guernsey Museums will be offering a concessionary rate into the castle to view the sail past, with the celebrations continuing with a barbecue and drinks at the GYC afterwards.

. Past and present members interested in taking part should call the club on 725342.