Although Guernsey Rally chairman Karl Marshall had expressed concerns about the future of big inter-island motorsport events, Brittany Ferries has sailed in and is providing an extra service to take visiting crews and supporters back to Jersey after February’s event.
The 2026 Guernsey Rally will begin on the afternoon of Friday 20 February, continuing over the Saturday, and the extra sailing will see the Islander setting off for St Helier at 5.45am on the Sunday morning.
The ferry company agreed to add this sailing following recent meetings with Guernsey Rally organisers.
‘The Guernsey Rally is a highlight of our annual motorsport and tourism calendar, bringing together many spectators and participants,’ Marshall said after a bigger-and-better event earlier this year.
‘This year proved to be very successful, with approximately 20 entries from Jersey and the UK.
‘2026 looks to be even greater, with 30 enquiries already received from overseas, Jersey and the mainland.
‘Our sincere thanks goes to Brittany Ferries, who have taken the time to meet with us, listen and support us by putting on an extra sailing to ensure our Jersey competitors get back home after the rally. We really appreciate their help.’
Brittany Ferries commercial director Paul Acheson said the extra sailing is ‘all part of our commitment to supporting island life’.
‘We are really pleased to support the Guernsey Rally, recognising the importance of maintaining inter-island links as well as the tourism benefit for Guernsey that the continuation of this important event will bring.’
The usual weekly Voyager sailing, taking place on the Wednesday, will allow Jersey competitors and their cars to get to Guernsey in the first place.
Similarly to this year’s event, the seventh Guernsey Rally will feature 28 stages – totalling approximately 50 miles – over the two days, spanning the Friday afternoon and evening and much of Saturday.
Rally director Caren Vidamour admitted that the 2026 rally could have been jeopardised by the travel problems they were facing.
‘The lack of inter-island ferry services offered between Guernsey and Jersey was a devastating blow to us and, of course, many other team community events that take place between the islands,’ she said.
‘We knew we had to keep the pressure on and make every effort to be heard by both governments.
‘With the help and support from our contacts from States of Guernsey, who were also doing their best to work with the ferry providers in an attempt to secure more sailings between the islands, we were able to have discussions with the head of Brittany Ferries.
‘The result shows how much they listened to us and considered our concerns by confirming an extra sailing for us in February to ensure our Jersey competitors, volunteers and supporters get home in a timely manner.
‘We can’t thank Brittany Ferries enough for their support in getting this confirmed – we really are so thankful and now it’s full steam ahead with our planning for the Guernsey Rally.’
Brittany Ferries have also scheduled a day trip to Jersey on 16 May 2026 so as many football fans as possible can attend the Muratti Vase Final.
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