Clipper contest 'too expensive'

The Jersey yacht was eighth last year (Photo courtesy Ingrid Abery)

Jersey sailors say rising costs are forcing them out of this year's Clipper Round the World yacht race.

The Jersey Clipper Group says it cannot find the funds to pay for the island's entry in the amateur race, and called for help from the States.

The group says it would cost about £500,000 to enter a yacht and have the island host a stopover during the race.

A Clipper race spokeswoman would not comment on individual entry costs but agreed they were rising.

Each of the racing yachts is named after and officially endorsed by a different city or country, and costs can vary.

'Expensive process'

Jersey's first entry in the year 2000 cost under £100,000.

A spokeswoman for the race said: "It is an expensive process, but we have a lot of costs."

She added that it would be a disappointment to lose Jersey's regular participation.

Philip Jeune, from the Jersey Clipper Group, said they were still considering hosting a stopover for competing boats.

The organising group said the only way it could enter would be with financial support from the island's government.

No one from the States was available for comment.

The contest was conceived by yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail non-stop around the Earth single-handed.