​Jersey, Guernsey, and several other islands are exploring a collaborative plan to travel to the 2027 Island Games in the Faroe Islands. The concept envisions using Southampton as a central hub for a charter flight, with the aim of reducing the event’s overall costs. It’s widely recognized that all competitors must fund their own travel and accommodation for Island Games. For context, the previous edition held in Orkney last year was estimated to cost about £2,000 per person.
Steve Jacobs, the chairman of the Jersey Island Games Association, explained to BBC Radio Jersey that officials are waiting to hear from the airline that serves these islands about the possibility of collecting passengers from Southampton. The idea would involve not only Jersey but also Guernsey, the Isle of Wight, Ynys Mȏn, and even the Falkland Islands. By establishing Southampton as the aircraft hub, organizers believe it could produce substantial savings compared with chartering flights directly from Jersey. He stressed that while it’s still early and formal charters cannot be arranged until around January in the lead-up to the Games, having a range of options helps teams plan their finances more effectively.
Athletes are already weighing the financial implications of competing at the 2025 Island Games, as costs continue to be a concern for many participants. During a recent visit to the Faroe Islands, Jacobs returned from the annual gathering of administrators from the 24 competing islands, which took place twelve months before the event. The delegation used the trip to inspect accommodations, visit proposed venues, and endorse Gotland’s bid to host the 2031 Island Games. The Faroe Islands last hosted the event in 1989, when roughly 800 athletes from 15 islands took part in the third Island Games. Looking ahead to next year, the 21st edition is anticipated to attract more than 2,000 competitors from 24 islands.
Jacobs highlighted the quality of the Faroe Islands’ facilities, noting, “There are first-class stadiums.” He also praised the swimming facilities, pointing out a new ten-lane, 50-meter pool that “is absolutely beautiful.” While the pool will serve the swimming portion of the Games, triathletes will reportedly swim laps in the pool before transitioning to cycling, given the region’s chilly waters.
Venue capacity and accommodation arrangements are not expected to pose insurmountable challenges, but ensuring that all athletes get a good night’s sleep and access to nutritious meals remains critical to peak performance. Jacobs emphasized that, in the current climate, delivering an economical plan is essential, but organizers have a clear understanding of what is required. The overarching objective is to balance cost containment with high standards of competition, ensuring that every participant is well-supported as they prepare for the demanding schedule of events across multiple disciplines.
As the planning unfolds, the prospect of Southampton serving as a central hub could redefine travel logistics for future Island Games, potentially enabling more cost-effective travel options while maintaining access to top-tier venues and facilities. With the Faroe Islands’ commitment to hosting and the ongoing collaboration among the participating islands, organizers appear poised to shape a sustainable travel strategy that could benefit teams for years to come, all while preserving the integrity and excitement of the Island Games.