Boat versus plane in islands race

Two teams are planning to pit sea power against air power by racing a powerboat against a plane.

The crews will be competing to become the first to cross the stretch of water between Jersey and Guernsey.

The event is taking place to raise money for the Channel Islands Air Search, a voluntary air sea rescue organisation

The last time the race happened, eight years ago, the plane won by a narrow margin of about 45 seconds.

"We just have to keep our fingers crossed"
Jonathan Gready, aircraft pilot

Toby Clayson, one of the boat crew, said: "This has actually been done on three previous occasions and the boat has never won, so we're quite keen to change that record.

"It was very, very close last time, the final difference was about 45 seconds."

In order to make the competition as even as possible the race will start from St Helier yacht club in Jersey and finish at the Rose and Crown pub in St Peter Port, Guernsey.

The air crew's journeys between the start and finish and the islands' airports will be counted as part of the race.

Jonathan Gready, one of the pilots, said: "We just have to have our fingers crossed and hope we can have our best co-operation from Jersey and Guernsey air traffic services."

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Channel Islands Air Search
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