JERSEY are set to compete against Guernsey in a sailing contest beginning at St Aubin鈥檚 Bay and finishing at St Peter Port.
About 47 boats aim to make the trip to Guernsey round Corbiere lighthouse, with the two islands entering an even share of the competitors.
While the inter-insular rivalry between Jersey and Guernsey is usually fierce, the sailing communities share a largely friendly rapport, though there is no doubt both will be determined to come out on top.
The inter-insular is a historic sporting event with roots stretching back to the late 19th century. A long-standing relationship between the Jersey and Guernsey Yacht Club鈥檚 dates back to 1894, with the modern sailing race, as it鈥檚 known today, starting in 1964.
The conditions for the 61st edition are set to make it a difficult race due to the low winds. It will prove a tactical affair with each boat looking to make the most of the minimal breeze.There are a number of race classes including IRC, Bilge Keel, Family Crewed and Female Helm, to name a few.
Jersey Sailing鈥檚 club manager, Jason Manning, discussed the forecasted challenging conditions: 鈥淭he forecast looks very light, so the conditions will be tough.
鈥淏ecause the boat speed will be slower than the tide, the tide comes into effect a lot more so it makes it a more challenging race. People will really use the tide to their advantage all the way up to Guernsey.鈥
鈥淲ind is a really big part of sailing, not only in strength, but in direction as well. The forecast shows an unfavourable direction with very light conditions which is not ideal for the competing boats.鈥
The race winner usually clocks a time just short of four hours. However, due to the serenity of the conditions, the race will probably take longer this time round.
Manning broke down the prizes: 鈥淭hree boats can join a team, and there鈥檚 a trophy for the first family-crewed boat.鈥
鈥淭here are a few other little trophies within the overall race as well, which makes it a little more interesting.鈥
With the lack of gales Manning addressed the effectiveness of each boat: 鈥淚 think the lighter, more modern racing yachts will probably take the advantage there over the more traditional family cruisers.
鈥淕uernsey do tend to have a bit more in the way of racing yachts rather than family cruisers, but Jersey do have a couple and some good teams and crew.鈥
Sailing is different to many sports as there is little training needed and copious levels of experience usually takes the prizes.
Manning said: 鈥淵ears of practice goes into sailing, it鈥檚 generally an older, personal sport for a lot of the boats. You race all year round, so it鈥檚 all part of honing the necessary skills.鈥
Jersey have a host of impressive boats, but Manning noted one in particular: 鈥淥ne of the favourite boats in Jersey is called 鈥楾he Dogs鈥, they have a fantastic track record. They won it last year, and they鈥檝e won seven over the last 40 years. They鈥檝e been doing this race for 40 years with the same crew, so they hold a lot of experience in that respect.鈥
鈥淭he Dogs鈥, alongside the other 46 competitors, will have to use their experience to deal with the technical conditions.
Manning continued: 鈥淧eople will be looking out for patches of wind on the water to try and increase boat speed, as well as using the tide direction and its speed to get the faster pace up to Guernsey.鈥
Despite the lack of wind, the forecasted sunshine will make for a scenic event across the wonderful shores of the Channel Islands.
The race acts as a focal point for both island communities, bringing people together celebrating the rich maritime heritage of the Channel Islands.