Guernsey’s summer sailing season is off to a strong start as dozens of French yachts arrived for the annual French sailing regatta Guernsey. On Wednesday, approximately 65 boats carrying nearly 300 crew members sailed into Victoria Marina, forming part of the well-established Le Télégramme Tresco Trophée.
This marks the 42nd year that members of the Yacht Club de Morlaix, based in Brittany, have made the journey across the Channel to participate.
French Sailing Regatta Brings Dozens of Yachts to Guernsey
Over the decades, more than 25,000 French visitors have taken part in the event, solidifying the regatta’s reputation as a key cultural and sporting exchange between Guernsey and France.
“This is a major highlight in our annual calendar,” said one of the organisers. The regatta is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of Franco-Guernsey camaraderie and nautical tradition.
Marina manager Steve Lowe shared his excitement: “We have already welcomed a lot of visiting boats into Guernsey so far this spring, and we have a significant number of events booked in for the months ahead.”
This year’s French sailing regatta Guernsey isn’t just another sailing meet. It symbolises enduring ties and shared maritime enthusiasm. Crews often return year after year, with many sailors calling the Guernsey marina a “home away from home”.
Participants are set to gather at Castle Cornet at around 19:00 BST for the annual fête, a key highlight of the regatta. It’s during this celebration that the first stage results of the event will be announced, much to the anticipation of the gathered sailors.
Following the fête, the yachts will set sail to Perros-Guirec on Saturday morning, continuing their coastal voyage back to Brittany.
This regatta kicks off a busy summer schedule at Guernsey’s harbours, which are expected to welcome a wide array of international sailing events in the coming months. The island’s growing reputation as a key destination for maritime tourism is largely thanks to events like the French sailing regatta Guernsey.
- Strategic sailing stopover between the UK and France
- Welcoming marina facilities with seasoned local management
- Long-standing tradition with French sailing clubs
- Celebratory atmosphere with local events and warm hospitality
The success of this year’s French sailing regatta Guernsey reinforces Guernsey’s standing as a pivotal port of call in the Channel. As the island gears up for more international maritime activity, events like these not only boost tourism but also deepen the social and cultural bonds across the water.
