The Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC) is excited to see the return of its prestigious annual event – the JESS Match Cup – to be held on Sunday, 21 September 2025.

This match racing regatta honours the legacy of the Junior Exchange Sailing Scheme (JESS), a formative programme that ran from 1988 to 2016 and involved over 160 young sailors. The JESS programme was the brainchild of the Club’s then-Coaching Co-ordinator, Huck Scott, whose vision was to provide young yachtsmen and women not only with opportunities to refine their sailing abilities but to grow as leaders, team players, and individuals.

From its inception, JESS was about more than just competition—it was about character, camaraderie, and the challenge of personal growth. RFBYC continues to honour that spirit by hosting the JESS Match Cup, an event that has become a staple in the Club’s racing calendar since its inaugural edition in 2018. This year will mark the seventh edition of the regatta.

Six (6) skippers will be invited to participate in the 2025 JESS Match Cup, at the discretion of the Organising Authority (OA).  Skippers wishing to receive an invite may register their request with RFBYC by completing this online "Application for Entry".

Only skippers invited by RFBYC, and who confirm attendance of the invitation, as detailed in the letter of invitation, will be eligible to enter this event. Successful applicants will be notified by a date listed in the Notice of Race.