Press release issued by St. Helier Yacht Club:
A NEW sailing event – the Vantage CI Triangle – offers both Channel Island and French yachtsmen the opportunity to test their seamanship over three days and 85 demanding miles.
Taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend of 24-26 August, the event brings together St Helier Yacht Club, Guernsey Yacht Club and Alderney Sailing Club and incorporates the newly-resurrected Alderney Regatta.
The regatta has not been held for some years but a resurgence of interest has led to its
renaissance, and ASC Race Officer Nigel Vooght contacted the Jersey and Guernsey clubs
to see if they would like to support the event. Every two years StHYC holds the Centenary Triangle, a three-day event that usually takes competitors southwards to France.
Responding to Mr Vooght’s request, StHYC Sailing Committee chairman Rhys Perkins suggested incorporating the Centenary Triangle with Alderney Regatta and with support from the GYC, and sponsorship from a financial services company, the Vantage CI Triangle was born.
‘It’s all rather nice how it’s come together and we look forward to welcoming the sailors from Jersey, Guernsey and France,’ said Mr Vooght.
Starting on Saturday 24 August, the race fleet – which should number around 20 including yachts from Guernsey and France – will depart St Helier and after rounding Jersey’s east coast race to Alderney, a distance of some 48 miles.
Given the length of this leg, and the variables of tidal and weather conditions, there will be two alternative start lines (to the south and north of the Ecréhous) and two alternative finish lines (off Dielette and east of Alderney). On day two the fleet will be joined by yachts from Alderney and more from France for a race around the northern-most Channel Island, a further 15 miles. Then, on day three, the fleet will race from Braye Harbour to St Peter Port, a final leg of 22 miles.
The first two races will be handicap events while the third will be a pursuit race. Each will have individual prizes while the overall winner of the three days of racing will be awarded the Vantage CI Triangle Trophy.
There will be social events and prize-giving ceremonies held each day and ASC Commodore Tess Woodnutt, a radiologist and a pig farmer, will be hosting a pig roast at the Braye Harbour clubroom (above) on the Sunday evening.
‘We’re really looking forward to the weekend as it will provide plenty of challenges and tests of seamanship,’ said Mr Perkins. ‘Not that many local sailors race to, or around, Alderney so the navigators will be working hard to plot the best courses in unfamilar waters.
‘It’s also pleasing to see Alderney Regatta come back to life and I’m glad that the Jersey and Guernsey clubs, with help from sponsors Vantage, have been able to provide support through the creation of this new event.’
For further information contact Rhys Perkins on 07797 722839
