ARTICLE • PUBLISHED: 1 July 2024

Champagne sailing in Guernsey at Spirit Yacht Regatta 2024

Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II scooped the overall regatta trophy at this year’s Spirit Yachts owners’ regatta in Guernsey, Channel Islands. Modern classic 22m sloop Gwenhyfar II triumphed after a closely fought, six-race series, seeing off strong competition from Spirit R52 Happy Forever and Spirit C65 Chloe Giselle.

Hosted in partnership with Locate Guernsey, the bi-annual regatta was based at Guernsey Yacht Club in the heart of the Channel Islands. Despite stormy conditions making for challenging delivery trips to the island, the weather settled down for the regatta and the yachts enjoyed 15-20 knots and sunshine for most of the week.

Overseen by experienced race officer Peter Saxton and a team of volunteers from Guernsey Yacht Club, the racing programme delivered a series of windward leeward courses in the Little Russel Channel and longer passage races around Herm and Sark islands.

Spirit Yachts’ Managing Director Karen Underwood commented, “What a fantastic week! Champagne sailing in a beautiful location; the perfect conditions for our owners, crew and guests to enjoy these elegant yachts to their fullest, share stories, and make new friendships.”

Owner of the winning yacht, Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II commented, “A great week on the water and ashore, Guernsey really was at its best. Spirit organised a fantastic programme, thank you to everyone involved for a truly memorable week.”

The racing was complemented by a variety of social activities including a sunset BBQ on Herm Island, Nyetimber champagne bar on the dockside provided by Pantaenius Insurance, and charity Optimist racing on the regatta lay day to raise funds for Guernsey Sailing Trust.

Jo Stoddart, Director of Locate Guernsey added, “It was a pleasure to welcome the Spirit fleet and guests to Guernsey for such a fabulous week. They embraced Guernsey life to the full during their stay, both out on the water and on the island. We were delighted to give many local inhabitants the opportunity to step onboard these beautiful modern classic yachts and we look forward to seeing several of them back in Guernsey soon.”

The event was sponsored by a raft of well-known marine brands including WEST SYSTEM, Lewmar, OneSails, Pantaenius, and Oceanskies, with support from Hattiers Rum.

For results, images, and video visit: www.spirityachts.com/regatta