Carey Olsen Inter-Island Yacht Race 2014 - Preview

Blue Jade during the 2013 Carey Olsen Inter-Island Yacht Race © Sam Field

Islands prepare for biggest yachting event of the year

Around 500 sailing enthusiasts are once again busy preparing for the biggest event in the sailing calendar, the Carey Olsen Inter-Island Yacht Race.

Following the 50th anniversary last year which saw 96 yachts take part, the race, which alternates in direction every year, will start in Guernsey at 08:00 on Saturday 7 June with all yachts expected to be in Jersey before 16:00.

Entry forms are now available for the race in this, the fifth year of sponsorship for Carey Olsen.

The yachts will compete through the 24 miles to Jersey followed by a seventies themed party and presentation evening for the skippers and their crews.

Jason Hobbs, commodore of the Guernsey Yacht Club said: "The Carey Olsen Inter-Island Yacht Race is the event that the sailing community look forward to all year. It's the most important race in our calendar and we're hoping the weather will play its part to make it a truly great day."

The race awards cover a number of different categories including; the overall race winner, first bilge keel, first Melges 24, first Beneteau, first quarter tonner, first family boat, first J, first all-female skipper, first young skipper, line honours and the Sir James Knott trophy.

Alex Ohlsson, managing partner of Carey Olsen in Jersey said: "We are proud to sponsor this event for the fifth year running as it is such a pivotal event in the sailing calendar and brings together keen sailors of all ages. While there are many experienced sailors in the race it also ensure that people of all ages and abilities are included, making for a very enjoyable atmosphere and a fantastic event overall."

All funds raised during the presentation evening will be donated to Channel Islands Air Search and RNLI.

Last year's winner Aden Clark, skipper of Guernsey yacht Blue Jade said: "Last year was perfect for racing; a strong breeze, a little bit of swell to make it challenging and lots of honest competition on the start line. Sailing upwind suits us better so we were please to get away at the start towards the front of the fleet and keep pace with the faster boats on our way up to Guernsey. The beauty of this race is that anyone can win it if they get their tactics right on the day, so I'm looking forward to another great race."

Entry forms should be submitted by Saturday 31st May 2014. They are available from the Guernsey Yacht Club or St Helier Yacht Club, by email at or for download at www.careyolseninterislandyachtrace.com

For race enquiries please contact Guernsey Yacht Club - Telephone: 01481 722838 or email .