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A prestigious yacht company whose designs have appeared in several James Bond films is heading to the Channel Islands for its first ever regatta.
Spirit Yachts has dubbed Guernsey “the perfect destination” for its inaugural event, which will see a six-race series with a fleet of modern classic yachts from 25 June to 2 July.
The regatta, which is being organised in partnership with Locate Guernsey and the Guernsey Yacht Club, will see around 120 participants visit the island to experience the local lifestyle both on and off the water.
Pictured: More than 120 Spirit Yacht participants are expected to attend the week-long regatta.
Locate Guernsey Director, Jo Stoddart, said the event will promote Guernsey as a relocation destination: “The regatta will showcase Guernsey both to race participants and to a much wider audience through the promotion of the event over the coming months,” she said.
“We know from our experience in working with relocators that they are drawn to Guernsey because of our lifestyle, pristine waters, beautiful coastline and ease of enjoying hobbies like sailing. Our target audience is very much aligned with those who buy and sail Spirit yachts.
“Beyond the participants, images of Guernsey and the races will be seen by thousands of like-minded individuals through promotion of the event and in race reports.”
The yacht company’s Spirit 54 yacht was featured in the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale, which starred Daniel Craig and Eva Green.
Spirit Yacht’s Spirit 46 appeared in the 25th film in the franchise, No Time to Die.
Pictured: Spirit Yachts featured in two James Bond films featuring Daniel Craig.
The regatta in Guernsey will comprise a six-race series of passage, round the cans, and windward/leeward courses organised by the Guernsey Yacht Club.
Yacht owners and their crews will be accommodated in local holiday lets and hotels over the week and will enjoy Guernsey’s restaurants and bars.
Ms Stoddart added: “It’s an excellent way for us to show this audience the many reasons why people choose to move here.”
Spirit Yachts has won international awards for its commitment to lowering the carbon footprint of the company and its yachts during construction, operation and at end of life. This commitment to sustainability will be echoed throughout the week-long regatta.
Pictured: Spirit Yachts is committed to sustainability.
Ms Stoddart explained: “The event organisers are determined to use local produce wherever possible, there will be no single-use plastics, limited printed collateral, and visiting yacht owners and their crews are being encouraged to hire e-bikes to get around the island.
“This is an opportunity to show Guernsey as somewhere you can live a more sustainable lifestyle and, of course, we know our local produce is first-class. It is another way we can use this event to showcase the best of Guernsey.”
The regatta will also raise funds for the Guernsey Sailing Trust.
Guernsey Yacht Club Commodore, Anna Rivers, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Spirit Yachts and its fleet of stunning modern classic yachts to Guernsey.
“Our famously tidal waters and navigational challenges will make for a competitive series and a spectacle on the water.”
Pictured: Some races will start and finish at Castle Cornet.
More information about the regatta race courses will be released in the build-up to the event in June. Some races will start and finish at Castle Cornet, with opportunities for islanders to spectate from the shoreline.
Spirit Yachts Chief Executive Officer, Sean McMillan, commented: “We were drawn to hold our inaugural regatta in Guernsey because it has so much to offer Spirit owners and crews.
“The local waters offer an exciting race environment and the Bailiwick’s hospitality is renowned, it’s the perfect destination for everyone involved."
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