GUERNSEY’S links with the sea and, in particular, Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar, are to be marked in a special year of events in 2005. SeaGuernsey 2005 was launched yesterday at Castle Cornet.

‘It is something that every one of us can get involved with and enjoy,’ said Deputy Stuart Falla, chairman of the newly-formed States Event Group.

‘As islanders, the sea defines and shapes our coastline, our characters and our fortunes and it’s that central presence in our lives that we shall be showcasing throughout the whole of next year.’

The group met for the first time just before the official launch.

The local group will be working closely with VisitBritain in drawing up its event programme.

SeaBritain 2005 – which also marks the bicentenary of Trafalgar, was launched last autumn.

The island joins Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and many English coastal towns that have signed up to the initiative.

‘Guernsey will certainly be in good company but we believe that there are few places that can match our outstanding maritime pedigree,’ said Deputy Falla.

‘The Bailiwick has the potential to stage the ultimate yearlong programme of nautical events which is exactly what we are aiming to do.

‘This will be Guernsey’s year, with something for every single islander and visitor.’

The official launch saw Culture and Leisure minister Peter Sirett fire the noonday gun.

He was surrounded by Sea Cadets and watched by guests from Sark and Alderney, which are also taking part in the festivities.

Deputy Sirett said that SeaGuernsey was an ideal opportunity for the island to promote itself.

‘We live in and on the sea. The locals enjoy the sea all year long but the visitors only get a couple of weeks. This is an event that will appeal to a larger group of people and something that everybody can relate to.’

Chief executive of VisitGuernsey Stuart Pinnell said that Guernsey would be promoted as a key maritime visitor destination in 2005 and beyond.

‘Our maritime heritage is second to none.’

* Guernseyman Admiral Lord de Saumarez had close links with Nelson whose flagship at Trafalgar, HMS Victory, became de Saumarez’s flagship in 1808.