Olsen Inter-Island Yacht Race celebrates 50 years

Gordon Wilson (winner 1997),Charles Parkinson (winner 1989),Sue Falla (winner 1993),GYC Commodore Jason Hobbs,Peter Howe (winner 2001),Alan Stevens (Carey Olsen),GYC Rear Commodore Sail Clive Le Tissier,Martin Ozard (winner 2000),Steve Hunt (Carey Olsen) © Emmanuelle Bonham

The Channel Islands' biggest yachting event celebrates Gold Anniversary

Keen sailors are once again preparing for the biggest event in the sailing calendar, the Carey Olsen Inter-Island Yacht Race, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The race, which alternates in direction every year, will begin in Jersey at 11.30 a.m. on 29 June and will see the yachts competing through the 24 miles to Guernsey, followed by a sixties themed 'golden anniversary' party and presentation evening for the skippers and their crews.

Carey Olsen, the race's sponsor since 2010, hosted a drinks evening last night at the Guernsey Yacht Club which saw sailing enthusiasts gather to discuss the race's 50 year history and the plans for this year's race.

Jason Hobbs, commodore of the Guernsey Yacht Club said: "The inter-island yacht race is the most important race in the Channel Islands' sailing calendar. This year we are pushing for 100 boats to take part, which would be a fitting tribute to 50 years of history. There are 25 awards to be given out so there is something for everyone to enjoy, from serious racers to family crews."

The race awards cover a number of different categories including; the overall race winner, first bilge keel, first Melges 24, first Beneteau, first quarter tonner, first family boat and first young skipper. There are two new categories this year: 'white sails only', more suited to cruising yachts and those who aren't serious racers, and 'first J' for owners of all types of J yacht.

Alex Ohlsson, managing partner of Carey Olsen in Jersey said: "We are very pleased to be sponsoring this event for a fourth year and to have played a part in helping it reach this milestone. We are looking forward to celebrating the golden anniversary with those who have taken part in, and won, the race over its many years of history."

All funds raised during the 50th anniversary presentation evening will be donated to Channel Islands Air Search.

Gordon Wilson, who has competed many times, said of his winning race in 1997: "It is every yachtsman's dream to be one of the first into a new wind and head for home. We were pleased with our tactics and knew we had done well but it was a shock to come first after the traditional count-down. The Lt. Governor at the time, Sir John Coward presented the overall trophy to us that evening. A great day and a great event."

Entry forms are now available and should be submitted by 22 June 2013.

Entry forms are available from the Guernsey Yacht Club or St Helier Yacht Club, by email at or for download at www.careyolseninterislandyachtrace.com

Race enquiries please contact: Guernsey Yacht Club Telephone: 01481 722838 or email .