JOHN FALLA helmed Banjaard to victory in the 13th annual Insurance Corporation Guernsey to Dinard yacht race . Second place went to Simon Nicolle and Alvine II, with Gordon Wilson and Tomahawk coming in third.

‘It was slow going because the winds were so light this year,’ said Aden Clark, of the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club and part of the organising team.

‘As we predicted it was a spinnaker leg all the way and we really had to look for the wind. It was a beautiful evening with excellent visibility so although we didn’t travel very fast, many of us managed to grab a bit of sleep.’

The race, which is around sixty miles in distance and run on a handicap system, was an overnight event.

From the fifteen boats registered to take part, fourteen started and finished.

‘In the past, the race was considered as a ‘feeder leg’ for the Tour des Ports,’ said Rachel Butler of Insurance Corporation.

‘This year that event’s starting point has moved to St Vaast-le-Hougue in early July, rather than Granville.

‘Because of this, we moved the date of our race so as to get the most suitable tides. Unfortunately the winds didn’t provide ideal racing conditions, but it was a lovely trip, nonetheless. Hopefully we will attract the same number again next year.’