Jeaneau Sunfast yachts taking part in a previous Le Tournoi Challenge

THE Le Tournoi Sailing Challenge 2011 sets off from Cowes tonight with more than 10 crews fighting it out for the Eurosaf European Championships in the Benetau 40.7 class of racer/cruisers.

After a bout of inshore racing in the Solent the fleet makes the overnight cross-Channel dash for Guernsey and, once here, the final leg of the European Championships will be held inshore around Sark and Herm on Monday, before the fleet heads for Jersey and a further inshore race to the Ecrehous and back.

As well as able-bodied sailors the organisers make provision for disabled crew members to take part and this year the event has received a further boost with the personal support of Geoff Holt, the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the Atlantic.

Le Tournoi event chairman Andy Le Seelleur said it’s going to be an interesting race, adding that the European Championships has definitely upped the ante for many of the crews and that’s likely to be a regular feature of the Challenge moving forward.

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