A combination of our location and the LCF Rothschild Group’s long association with yachting prompted us in 2005 to establish ‘The LCF Rothschild Challenge’.

Somewhat surprisingly we discovered that there was no recorded time trial for yachts between the two major Channel Islands of Guernsey & Jersey. Whilst times had previously been recorded for the annual race between the two islands no specific timed sprint had taken place. The fastest recorded passage to date was set by ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ skippered by Jersey resident Bruce Harland in 1996 in a time of 2 hours 14 minutes.

This gap in the local yachting scene was one we felt worthy of filling in order to prompt interest amongst yachtsman locally, nationally and internationally.

The LCF Rothschild Challenge Cup is therefore awarded to any ocean yacht that can break the standing record.

Appropriately the first challengers were Gitana-Team, owned and run by LCF Rothschild Group Chairman, Baron Benjamin de Rothschild. Gitana X and X1 raced the clock between St Peter Port & St Helier on Wednesday 14th September 2005 in near perfect conditions. Both of these high-tech 60 foot trimarans sliced the previous record in half with Gitana X setting the fastest time of 55 minutes 21 seconds. For the record Gitana X1 was only 11 seconds behind. The trophy was presented to the Gitana X skipper Thierry Duprey du Vorsent. The question is for how long will he keep it?

Should you wish to attempt the Challenge or know anyone of who feels they would have a realistic chance then please contact the Guernsey Yacht Club that administers the event on our behalf.