UBS Jersey Regatta gets ready to welcome local and visiting sailors
by Bill Harris 1 Aug 2015 04:12 PDT
4-6 September 2015
Sport Catamarans at the 2014 UBS Jersey Regatta © Bill Harris
With summer in full swing, the scene is set for Jersey's combined sailing clubs' 'flagship' sailing event, the UBS Jersey Regatta, taking place against the beautiful backdrop of St Aubin's Bay from 4th to 6th September. Now in its seventeenth year, the Regatta is sponsored for the third year running by leading wealth management company UBS AG.
As the biggest multi-class event in the Channel Islands' sailing calendar, competitors of all ages and experience, competing in sportsboats, cruiser/racers, dayboats, dinghies and sport catamarans, can expect a very warm welcome and three days of fun, excitement and great racing. The Regatta has attracted well over 100 boats in recent years and, this year, numbers are expected to increase with the return of a dedicated Quarter Ton class and a new coastal race designed for sailors who prefer to exercise their skills on longer legs than those found in the general cut-and-thrust of olympic course and 'round the cans' racing.
Cruisers are split into IRC and club handicap classes. For boats without an IRC rating, the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Rating Office offers a low-cost Single Event Rating for boats that might wish to 'up the ante' and race in an IRC class.
With the Regatta being a truly open event, the organisers are looking forward to a good turnout of local boats, in all classes, and to welcoming all entrants who venture to Jersey's shores from afar. Visiting boats have added much to the Regatta, over the years, giving the local sailors a good run for their money and taking home many prizes and much of the silverware.
Aspiring entrants should note that the already modest entry fees are discounted for 'early birds' who submit their entries by 19th August. Full entry fees apply, thereafter, up to 1st September. Entry fees cover everything, except for party night tickets, and crews are sure to be delighted when they collect their UBS 'goody bags' at the Thursday welcoming reception. All this, coupled with free berthing 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!
This year, the clubs are delighted to be supporting the Jubilee Sailing Trust, a registered charity 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.
The Notice of Race, containing the entry form and social programme, is available on the Regatta website, www.jerseyregatta.com with bound copies available in the yacht clubs.
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.