Prestigious powerboat race comes to Jersey

Organisers have chosen Jersey as one of the stopover ports for a major four-day event which is being billed as a preview to the world's toughest and most prestigious powerboat race.

 

On Monday 10 June, around a dozen powerboats will race from Guernsey, down to Jersey, along the west coast of St Ouen’s Bay, around Corbière, across St Aubin’s Bay, and then around a circuit out to sea before reaching the finish line off Noirmont Point.

 

A stopover in St Helier Harbour is planned between 1pm and 4pm, when members of the public will be able to view the boats and meet the competing crew members on the Albert Pier.

 

After the Jersey stopover, the boats will race back to Guernsey from a start line in the middle of St Aubin’s Bay.

 

The public should be able to get good views from Corbière and along the south coast headlands, as well as from St Helier as the powerboats head into the harbour between 11.30am and 1pm and set off again later that afternoon.

 

The four-day event is being seen as a preview to the 2014 Venture Cup, which is regarded as the world’s longest, toughest and most prestigious powerboat race. Next summer, up to 40 powerboats will race between London and Monte Carlo over 15 days.

 

This month's trial race will also allow organisers and race officials to test the sea conditions that the boats are likely to encounter as they race the gruelling 2,400-mile course next year.

 

Event Director Aidan Foley said "We have been delighted by how the Port of Jersey has responded to the Venture Cup and both the organisers and the teams are eagerly looking forward to arriving in your waters on June 10.

 

"This is a unique race as it’s all about a real adventure - one filled with great challenges, glamour, bravery, risk and reward. The sights and sounds of the world’s biggest, meanest and fastest powerboats should provide something memorable for all ages, so we hope to see as many people as possible come out and enjoy the spectacle."

 

Port of Jersey's Chief Operating Officer for Marine, Barry Goldman, said "This is a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts to get up close to the thrilling sport of powerboat racing and we are delighted that organisers have chosen to include Jersey as part of the racing itinerary. Port of Jersey looks forward to offering participants and organisers every support in the hope that this could lead to bigger and better things in the future."