French sailing regatta races into Guernsey

The Tour de Ports de la Manche was expected to bring about 500 competitors to the island

About 500 people have been brought to Guernsey by a popular French sailing regatta.

The Tour de Ports de la Manche regularly attracts about 500 competitors and with 90 boats signed up a similar number was expected this year, the States said.

The six-day race started on Sunday and its third stage involves competitors covering the 31 nautical mile journey between Barneville–Carteret and Guernsey and staying overnight in the island.

Steve Lowe, Guernsey Ports marina manager, said: "Tour de Ports is one of our flagship events year after year."

He said: "Despite some mixed weather in recent weeks, it has been a very strong start to the season for our leisure marinas.

"We welcomed a dozen sailing events and rallies last month alone, including the Spirit Yachts Regatta and the Inter Island Yacht Race."