Highlights from the 2026 Jersey Race

The 2025 Citco Round Jersey Race Overview

The Citco Round Jersey Race, organized by the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club, took place on August 17, 2025, and marked its third consecutive event under the sponsorship of fund management company Citco. This year saw an unprecedented turnout, with a total of forty-one boats participating, setting a record for this annual sailing competition.

Many boats sailed in from nearby locations such as Granville and St Malo, contributing to the remarkable entry list. Despite challenging easterly conditions leading up to the race, which caused some vessels to withdraw, the race commenced with thirty boats ready to tackle the nearly fifty-mile route around the island.

Race Day Conditions and Course Details

The race got underway under clear skies with a fresh breeze, ideal for sailing. Participants faced off in staggered starts, with the various classes launching at different times—IRC Class 1 took to the waters at ten o'clock, followed by classes two, three, and the sport catamarans almost forty minutes later. The course included a short windward leg to the Baleine buoy, a brief run to the Diamond Rock buoy, and initiated the circumnavigation.

The timing for the start of the race, set three hours prior to high water, made this first leg particularly intense. Boats struggled against wind over tide, creating a challenging sea state. However, once past the Violet Channel buoy on the southeast of the island, conditions eased, allowing sailors to leverage their speed up the east coast towards Rozel and into the north coast where they exhibited impressive sailing techniques with spinnakers and goose winging.

Key Highlights from the Race

As the boats navigated the course, the spirit of competition was palpable. Spectators on shore were treated to a stunning display of sailing prowess as the fleet, particularly the sport catamarans, raced forward. Upon rounding Grosnez, the vessels entered St Ouen's Bay and pushed towards La Corbière, the last section leading to the finish line at the Diamond Rock buoy.

The final stretch posed unique challenges, with trailing tide creating difficult conditions for boats approaching the finish. Those who started early had an edge, but effectively managing the tides proved crucial for all. Local entrants had an innate understanding of these coastal intricacies, competing fiercely against their French counterparts.

Winners and Awards

The standout performance in IRC Class 1 came from last year's champion, Jean-Pierre Pronier, finishing with the First Class 10, Les Rapetous, in a little over five hours. Following closely, Jean-Pierre Josso with his Pogo RC, Aruba, finished just fifteen seconds later, but it was David Jones aboard his X332, JAX, who clinched victory on corrected time by just forty seconds over Jan Legallet's Karibario Kunkel-Palettes, who took second place.

In Class 2, the renowned Indigo, skippered by Peter Crabb, seized line honors and also won the race with stunning performance. Robin Jenkins' First 31.7, Jack Rabbit, followed closely behind. The Farr 727 Quarter Tonner, Fahrenheit, commanded attention in the same class with the best corrected time registered.

Class 3 saw an impressive finish by Matchless, skippered by Hani Salem, completing the event ahead of last year’s victor, Nick O'Hare aboard the Westerly Fulmar, Honky Tonk.

The sport catamaran classes also showcased thrilling matches, with the Wildcat 517 winning Class 4, and Top Kat clinching the Class 5 victory after a rigorous four and a half hours of racing.

Recap of the Event's Success

The 2025 Citco Round Jersey Race concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony at the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club, where Commodore Jeremy Swetenham recognized the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. The event not only attracted local competitors but also welcomed many from Granville and St Malo, promoting camaraderie and future participation in upcoming races.

Overall Race Results

The Spirit of Sailing and Adventure

The Citco Round Jersey Race exemplifies the vibrant spirit of sailing culture, highlighting camaraderie among competitors and the thrill that comes with waterborne competition. Such events play an essential role in promoting sailing as a cherished pastime, connecting the community with the ocean and enhancing tourism through water sports.

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Embracing the Coastal Adventure

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Conclusion

This year's Citco Round Jersey Race heralded a remarkable achievement in sailing participation, reflecting community spirit and competitive energy. From the thrilling races to matchless camaraderie among participants, the allure of sailing remains undeniable. To ensure you do not miss out on opportunities to engage in such maritime escapades, consider utilizing GetBoat's unique services for yacht and boat rentals. With a transparent approach, GetBoat stands out as an excellent resource for planning unforgettable adventures on the sea, offering a seamless booking process for those passionate about the ocean and boating. So get ready to embark on your next adventure— the ocean awaits!