Newcomers urged to take up sailing as race begins

Would-be skippers have been urged to take up yachting as an annual sailing race prepared to get under way.

The Round Jersey Race - a 45-mile (72km) circumnavigation of the island and open to local and visitor cruiser/racers, cruisers, sports boats and sport catamarans - was held on Sunday.

The Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club said it was a great way to "enjoy racing and sightseeing".

Jeff Chinn, who has participated in the annual race about "half a dozen" times, said there was a "diminishing level of interest" in yachting and urged people to get involved.

"I think this year we have around seven or eight cruiser yachts and a few catamarans as well. It is still a pretty good turnout," he said.

But he said people often do not have the time or crew to take up sailing.

"You will find all yacht clubs are keen to welcome newcomers and beginners, and most yacht clubs have introduction days. We always want to get new people into this activity," he said.

Mr Chinn, who was taking part in a racing sailboat with a crew of seven, said the fastest he had completed the annual challenge in was five hours and 27 seconds, while the club said the record was three hours and seven minutes.

He added his crew aimed to beat their best time rather than the record, describing the race as "challenging" due to the tide and wind.

He said: "We love doing it. Being at sea and sailing is fantastic. Racing can be very engaging, exciting and demanding.

"This race in particular is fantastic because we work with the tides, we enjoy the views, the challenge and the racing. It is an achievement when we get back."

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