Spirit Regatta 2024 in Guernsey
by Helen Porter 28 Jun 00:53 NZST
15-22 June 2024
Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II scooped the overall regatta trophy at this year's Spirit Yachts
owners' regatta in Guernsey, Channel Islands. Modern classic 22m sloop Gwenhyfar
II triumphed after a closely fought, six-race series, seeing off strong competition
from Spirit R52 Happy Forever and Spirit C65 Chloe Giselle.
Hosted in partnership with Locate Guernsey, the bi-annual regatta was based at
Guernsey Yacht Club in the heart of the Channel Islands. Despite stormy conditions
making for challenging delivery trips to the island, the weather settled down for the
regatta and the yachts enjoyed 15-20 knots and sunshine for most of the week.
Overseen by experienced race officer Peter Saxton and a team of volunteers from
Guernsey Yacht Club, the racing programme delivered a series of windward leeward
courses in the Little Russel Channel and longer passage races around Herm and
Sark islands.
Spirit Yachts' Managing Director Karen Underwood commented, "What a fantastic
week! Champagne sailing in a beautiful location; the perfect conditions for our
owners, crew and guests to enjoy these elegant yachts to their fullest, share stories,
and make new friendships."
Owner of the winning yacht, Spirit C72 Gwenhyfar II commented, "A great week on
the water and ashore, Guernsey really was at its best. Spirit organised a fantastic
programme, which was flawlessly executed, thank you to everyone involved for a
truly memorable week."
Gwenhyfar II also won Class 1 and Spirit R52 Happy Forever made it five class wins
from six races to claim Class 2. Highest Placed Female helm went to Chloe Giselle
and newly launched Spirit C72 Elvis picked up the "Spirit of the Regatta" prize for
embracing the spirit of the event both on and off the water.
The racing was complemented by a variety of social activities including a sunset
BBQ on Herm Island, Nyetimber champagne bar on the dockside provided by Pantaenius Insurance, and charity Optimist racing on the regatta lay day to raise
funds for Guernsey Sailing Trust.
Jo Stoddart, Director of Locate Guernsey added, "It was a pleasure to welcome the
Spirit fleet and guests to Guernsey for such a fabulous week. They embraced
Guernsey life to the full during their stay, both out on the water and on the island.
We were delighted to give many local inhabitants the opportunity to step onboard
these beautiful modern classic yachts and we look forward to seeing several of them
back in Guernsey soon."
The event was sponsored by a raft of well-known marine brands including West System, Lewmar, OneSails, Pantaenius, and Oceanskies, with support from Hattiers Rum.
For results, images, and video visit www.spirityachts.com/regatta