WITH less than two weeks to go, the countdown to Jersey’s biggest date in the sailing calendar is well and truly under way.
On 3-6 September, the Channel Islands’ dazzling sailing scene will be on full display in the exciting arena of St Aubin’s Bay, transforming the beautiful natural area into a blaze of colour while presenting thrilling racing for the Butterfield Jersey Regatta.
Whether it is the Island’s vibrant Hobie fleet slicing through the tides, the competitive IRC cruiser classes battling it out or even the duels of the dayboats, there will be something for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend.
This year brings with it a monumental milestone of its own, as 2026 marks Butterfield Bank’s first year in the sponsor’s seat and their highly anticipated debut on the Channel Islands’ racing scene.
The 28th edition of this flagship event is all set to provide fun and excitement for young and old, experienced racers and novices alike.
With a dazzling array of illustrious silverware and a veritable trove of prizes up for grabs, competition is guaranteed to be keen – the stakes do not get much higher than this.
A welcoming reception at St Helier Yacht Club on Thursday evening will commence the proceedings, before racing gets underway the next morning when the keelboat classes come to the line for an early distance race.
The dayboat, dinghy and sport catamaran classes programme will then follow in the afternoon, in St Aubin’s Bay.
Saturday and Sunday will see back-to-back racing for all classes in adjacent coastal waters for the cruiser classes, while the small-boat fleet promises to light up the bay with hotly contested battles.
From having the privilege of covering the event live on the water last year, this event goes beyond racing.
It is a full-on spectacle, exhibiting the best and brightest of the Island’s highly talented local sailing community.
With the action-packed schedule comes its fair share of highlights. For the IRC cruiser classes, the Channel Islands’ top racers will gather to contest the spoils in the 13th edition of the GBR IRC Channel Islands Championship, which always promises its fair share of excitement and thrills.
Supported by North Sails for the second year running, the Championship is guaranteed to produce some exciting racing for the top local racers.
Another one has to be the sport catamaran classes. Our Hobie fleet’s high level of activity has made Jersey well renowned in Europe and the locals certainly have the talent and depth to go with it, as the crews’ high experience makes all a real threat in any setting, while a pair of British champion duos headline the group.
With 11 of their most promising crews currently competing at the Hobie Cat Multi-Europeans in Maubuisson, France, you can be sure that everyone will enter the all-important weekend on top form.
Regatta chairman Bill Harris said: “Everyone is eagerly anticipating a first class regatta under the Butterfield banner. This event has always been a star attraction in the Channel Islands racing calendar, with the main reward being the inclusion of sailors of all ages spanning a wide range of our clubs’ competitive sailing activities.
“We are, again, proud to include the IRC Championship in the programme and are very grateful to Jersey Marinas for their ongoing support in providing complimentary berthing for visiting boats.”
Boats wishing to enter may do so through the Notice of Race on the Regatta website, www.jerseyregatta.com, until Tuesday1 September.
For further information, either e-mail: info@jerseyregatta.com; or call: +44 (0) 1534 732229.
