Phil Sharp

Phil is Britain’s most promising up-and-coming offshore yachtsman. He already has many prestigious wins under his belt. 

His ultimate goal is to be the first Briton to win the famous Vendée Globe single-handed round-the-world race. This race is the Everest of sailing, involving one man battling against the elements in gruelling conditions, non-stop around the world.

A word from Phil (2009)

Five years ago when a student in London I never thought that Jersey would have such a significant influence on my life. Looking back, I couldn’t have been more mistaken.

Born and bred in the island I was lucky to come from a family of very keen sailors, my grandfather Roy Bailhache having won the famous Cowes–Dinard race 11 times in 13 years. As a child I was usually carted off down the coast most weekends on the family yacht. I soon got to know the island’s incredible bays and beaches, especially Beauport and Portlet where many a long barbecue was enjoyed.

Although I didn’t know it at the time, the sea air was being injected into my blood for life. Neither did I fully appreciated what makes Jersey so special until I returned after the first year of university in London, realising how much I had missed the sea and how unhealthy city life could be. On my doorstep I could sail, surf and windsurf. Suddenly, the island had a whole new appeal for me.

I immediately decided to get that salty air back into my lungs and set off on a non-stop sail around the island in a small Laser dinghy, a trip that sparked a new personal interest in maritime adventure. From there I didn’t look back and spent much of my last year at university planning my first proper adventure, the Mini Transat, a single-handed race from France to Brazil for 21ft boats.

One of the biggest problems in ocean racing before you can even think about setting foot on a boat is sponsorship. Offshore sailing now has a big international following and I was determined to represent Jersey at the forefront of this sport by seeking local backing.

Jersey has a compelling single-handed sailing tradition. Thanks to the island’s continued love of its maritime culture, I feel proud to say that I have represented Jersey in three transatlantic races, carrying its name first across the line in the 2006 Route du Rhum, France’s biggest solo transatlantic race.

So what is it that brings me back to home between these offshore racing adventures? Well, the quality of life is definitely good to return to after being cooped up in race boat where the only luxury is a bucket for a toilet. There’s also a very active social life, with some great bars and waterside restaurants, particularly in St Aubin.

But for anyone visiting the island, getting out on the water is a must. Jersey Sailing offers yacht charter days along the coast. Or you can get down to St Brelade’s Bay and try your luck on a windsurfer or catamaran at the Windsurfing and Sailing School. Oh, and if there’s surf, you must go to St Ouen’s Bay!

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