Strong contenders tomorrow, the Julius Bar team in action last weekend off Herm. Left to right, Simon Johns, Shaun Kelling, James Coquelin and Tom de Kooker. (Picture by Tim Prout, 0798640)
GUERNSEY crews lead the list of favourites going into this weekend’s annual Sark to Jersey boat race.
Tomorrow’s marathon race will feature 54 boats carrying 180 competitors over a 19-mile course from Dixcart Bay in Sark to Bonne Nuit Bay in Jersey. It is the longest race of its type in Channel Island waters.
Guernsey dominated the event last year and Jersey will be looking to win back some lost pride.
The overwhelming favourites for the men’s pairs are the record-breaking FRM team featuring Paul Isaacs and Joe Paul.
The duo were in brilliant form in Herm last weekend and will be looking to hold off their Jersey rivals.
It’s a similar story in the women’s pairs.
Cat Peet and Paula Evemy unfortunately collided with a rock last weekend in Herm but it is hoped this won’t affect them tomorrow. The Guernsey team of Liz Bellot and Steve Pipe, who set a fastest time last weekend, are expected to dominate the mixed pairs.
Last year’s men’s fours winners, FRM, will be looking for a positive outcome after a bleak weekend in Herm.
The Guernsey team unfortunately lost their rudder when they ran aground, which led to Julius Bar taking the victory. They also face a fresh challenge from Olympic rower Dr Tim Brabants, who will be competing in a Jersey boat.
Event organiser Ian Blandin said: ‘We are very happy to have him.’
The favourites for the women’s fours team are last year’s winners Island Insurance Group from Jersey, but they haven’t yet been tested by Guernsey’s Sure Belles or CMC Dragons, both of which have a good chance of victory.
The weather is expected to be good with winds of 12 knots.
Blandin said: ‘We need a little bit of wind because in these present conditions the risk of dehydration is high and it also gives the rowers a bit of speed.’
However, quick times are not expected because of the tide, as Blandin explained.
‘There will be a neap tide, so we aren’t expecting record breakers this year.’
The race day will conclude with an evening event, which has already sold out its 370 tickets.
Guernseyman Brian Staples will compere the event.
Blandin said: ‘We think it’s been a brilliant response and we’d like to thank all of Guernsey’s crews and officials for their support. I’d particularly like to thank Peter Dorey and Nigel Burnard, who will be the scrutineers on Sark.’Sark to Jersey race: 54 boats and 180 competitors are entered for the 19-mile marathon
Article posted on 3rd July, 2009 - 2.29pm
Most Commented: