Tour des Ports 2024 starts in Jersey

This year’s Tour des Ports sailing regatta set off from Jersey for the first time in more than 40 years. At the weekend, St Helier Harbour saw 85 boats and 500 crew and officials arriving from France, Guernsey and the UK, for the largest sailing regatta to be held in the Channel Islands and Normandy this year.

The Tour des Ports de la Manche à la voile is a nationally acclaimed race that began in 1983 and which welcomes both amateur and more experienced sailors. Jersey Marinas are providing free berths and hosting the competitors, in conjunction with St Helier Yacht Club and the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club.

The event runs from July 7-12, and takes in Granville, Barneville Carteret, Guernsey, Dielette, Cherbourg en Cotentin, and Saint-Vaast la Hougue.

Jersey’s Harbour Master, Captain Bill Sadler, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to have the race start in Jersey, and we enjoyed welcoming our visitors as they completed their final preparations for this renowned event.”

Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said: “This is only the second time that the start of the race has been held outside Normandy, so it’s a real privilege for Jersey. It’s fantastic that we have been able to accommodate all the participants in this premier event in the yachting calendar. I’m confident that by showcasing our marine facilities, we will be able to tempt even more mariners to visit our Island.”

The yachts left the pontoons to head to the start of the race on Sunday for their first port of call, Granville.