New features for Port of Plymouth Regatta

150 year old regatta to take place at the end of July

The historic Port of Plymouth Regatta, which has taken place for more than 150 years, is now inviting entries for its 2010 Regatta, running from 24 July to 1 August.

Set to be its best yet, the Regatta has seen a number of changes this year including improved race management and courses, and the introduction of White Sail Races. For the first time, the Regatta will also be supporting a charity – Horizons, a children’s sailing charity in Plymouth.

Keen to encourage young new sailors onto the water, the Regatta is holding both training sessions and racing for rookies, and is even making dinghies available for hire to those who need them. The Rookie racing will run simultaneously with the main Dinghy series, which has been growing steadily in popularity in recent years, taking place from 28 July to 1 August.

The White Sail Races will be on 24-25 July, with a large fleet expected to take part. These events are aimed at the owners of cruising yachts who may never have raced before but still want the fun of taking part in the Regatta. The races will be sailed over courses of approximately 15 nautical miles taking competitors out of the picturesque Plymouth Sound and back again.

Two full days of top class back-to-back yacht racing will be taking place for IRC, PYS, and one design yachts over the weekend of 24-25 July. The ever popular long distance Champagne Yacht Race, sailed over a course using coastal marks between Salcombe and Fowey, will be on 31 July.

Shore-side a full programme of events will be held at the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club, ideally positioned on the Hoe, overlooking the Sound. Daily prize-givings, draws, and BBQs will take place throughout the event and there will be performances from popular bands Faux Furs and Mad Dog Mcrea.

With a number of sponsors onboard, the Regatta is able to provide entrants with free marina berthing for yachts, free dinghy parking, and free car parking. The Regatta’s main sponsor is once again the Cattewater Harbour Commission, with further sponsorship support from Mayflower Marina; Plymouth City Council; Sutton Harbour Group; Mount Batten Centre; Westways; Plymouth Yacht Haven and Ullman Sails.

Organiser David Wines commented: “We are very excited about this year’s event which has already generated huge interest from sponsors, supporters, and competitors. The Regatta has been running for more than 150 years, and we are taking another big step forward this year to deliver top quality racing, equal to anything available elsewhere.

“In addition, we are offering a range of other events, catering for all the family from youngsters who want to get into racing, to their mums and dads who would like the chance to race their cruiser.

“Plymouth Sound is one of the finest natural harbours in the world, and provides us with a superb area in which to set multiple race courses north and south of the breakwater. Add all the other attractions which Plymouth offers, including the historic Hoe from where you can watch all the action, and the nearby Barbican, and you have a venue which is unbeatable and a Regatta not to be missed.”