A FLEET of more than 100 yachts will race to Jersey on Saturday in the largest fixture of the Channel Islands sailing calendar. And with entries 10 up on last year, the Guernsey race contingent will be out to continue their dominance in the re-branded Kleinwort Benson Channel Islands Challenge, in accordance with the new sponsor.

The Sarnians have won the Sir James Knott team trophy for the last three years. The 2006 team will be announced today.

Early forecasts are far from ideal with a predicted easterly force three indicating that the race could turn into a dreaded windward drift.

But Guernsey Yacht Club rear commodore sail Adrian Frampton was upbeat.

‘It is not an ideal wind direction but the fleet will adapt accordingly and make the most of the wind,’ he said.

But if it persists from the east, the majority of yachts that will have entered with spinnakers maybe unable to fly them.

For many of the fleet it will be the only race they compete in all year.

The annual event is renowned for attracting many cruising yachts alongside the more serious crews to enjoy in a fun day out on the water followed by an obligatory social celebration in the host port.

And the friendly inter-island rivalry is always rife with Guernsey yachts welcomed into St Helier Marina with bunches of carrots last year.

It has consistently attracted more Guernsey than Jersey boats with a typical split of 60-40, but Frampton said this was more like 55-45 in recent years.

The highest entry to date was 120 in 1996.

The race direction alternates each year.

Tomorrow the fleet will set off at 11am from an offshore start line between the outer distance mark off Castle Cornet and a temporary buoy laid further out in the Little Russel.

‘We set a long line to cater for the large fleet and make starting easier for the more novice crews which are perhaps not as used to racing at such close quarters,’ said Frampton.

The fleet then head to St Helier via Corbiere Lighthouse on the south west corner of Jersey.

‘Due to health and safety requirements, the finish line off the harbour is very narrow and with lots of boats it can get quite exciting.’

He said the race to Jersey was the preferred direction for Guernsey crews.

‘People like the satisfaction of completing the race and then enjoying a night out celebrating away from home.’

St Helier Yacht Club will host a barbecue and prize-giving on Saturday night.

It is not just a serious race but it is also something of a family affair as a trophy is handed out for the first such crew and there are prizes for winners in different classes such as the more traditional long-keel boats.