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.