The race, one of the most popular events on St. Helier Yacht Club’s sailing calendar, starts at 08:30 from St Helier. The fleet will then head around Jersey’s east coast before setting course for Sark.

Skippers then have to choose whether to go north or south of Sark before passing Herm and heading for the finish line at St. Peter Port.

Every year presents different challenges due to the changing tides and winds between the islands, providing the competing crews with plenty of tests for both their sailing and navigation skills. 

Abracadabra yacht sailing

Pictured: Abracadabra took second place last year, beating Guernsey yacht Kaya by just 41 seconds.

First run in 1978, when it was known as the Borsalino Race, the event was recently revived and invigorated with support from BNP Paribas.

The 40-mile course gives the yachts a full day at sea before their crews can relax at the prize-giving ceremony at Guernsey Yacht Club.

BNP_Paribas_route_Jersey round Sark to Guernsey

Pictured: The BNP Paribas Classic follows a 40-mile round route.

Jersey yachts The Dog’s…! (picture above) and Abracadabra took the first two places last year, the latter beating Guernsey yacht Kaya by just 41 seconds.