The 60th anniversary edition of the Channel Islands sailing spectacle will have boats setting off en masse from Jersey, heading towards the finish line at Castle Cornet.
Although forecast wind conditions are relatively light, Guernsey Yacht Club commodore Martin Priest is hopeful that at least 40 boats will make the finish.
‘The wind is looking quite light at the moment – that will favour the slower boats,’ he said.
‘We are pleased to have nearly 200 people taking part. It has the largest number of competitors in one single [sailing] race.
‘We are confident of most of them finishing and having a good day on the water.’
Priest, fresh from a second-in-class finish on a new boat in the Key Yachting’s Mid-Summer Regatta J-Cup event in Eastleigh, will be among the top Guernsey competitors.
But many eyes will be on Jersey’s Allen Brown as he once again skippers his Melges 24, The Dog’s, and aims to defend his title that he won convincingly last year.
The commodore also expects Martin Boyde’s Jostler and Rhys Perkins’ Abracadabra – who completed the top three last year – to be strong contenders.
This year, finishers will be treated to a barbecue afterwards on Guernsey soil.
As managing director of IQ-EQ Guernsey, Greg Kok is looking forward to being title sponsor for the first time.
‘I am incredibly proud to see IQ-EQ in Guernsey and Jersey come together to sponsor the Inter-Island Yacht Race, a premier sailing event that unites nearly 200 crew members and over 45 yachts,’ he said.
‘This sponsorship underscores our commitment to fostering strong connections across the Channel Islands, reflecting our presence in both Guernsey and Jersey.
‘It’s a fantastic opportunity to deepen our brand’s impact and celebrate the spirit of collaboration.’
The following day sees the Governors’ Cup, where three chosen crews from each island battle it out.
Fandangle, Jostler and White Rabbit will be representing Guernsey, going up against The Dog’s, Jai Ho and Jax.
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