Sutton Harbour Marina
News
First Competitors sign up for The Artemis Transat Race at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth
With four months to go until the start of the world famous The Artemis Transat at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, the first of many competitors have officially signed up to take part in the oldest solo yacht race in the history of ocean racing.
Supported by the Sutton Harbour Group, the South West RDA, Plymouth City Council and Event South West, The Artemis Transat at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth will start on Sunday, May 11, 2008.
Racing across 2,800 miles of notoriously treacherous North Atlantic conditions from Plymouth to Boston (USA) single-handedly is a challenge only the very best take on. The first entries have already thrown down the gauntlet to their opponents and confirmed their intentions to race.
Initial entries include the 2004 winner, Mike Golding who will be looking to defend his title against some tough competition. He will be joined by Dee Caffari, the first British female to sign up for the race, and Louis Duc, the youngest entry so far at the age of 24. Skippers’ Brian Thompson, Jonny Malbon, Jéremie Beyou, Sébastien Josse and Giovanni Soldini will also have their sights set on the finish line as they sail from Sutton Harbour, Plymouth on May 11 2008.
There will be two classes of entry, one for 60-foot vessels (IMOCA Open 60) and one for 40 foot vessels (Class 40). Organisers are expecting at least 20 of each vessel to be taking part in this, the 13th edition of the race.
Nigel Godefroy, Managing Director of Sutton Harbour Group said: “The announcement of the first entries is a very exciting milestone. With just four months to go, the preparations for the race start and the Race Village in Sutton Harbour are really gathering pace. We are working with our partners to ensure that the logistics of the race and the Race Village all fall into place so that everyone, competitors and visitors can experience the true splendour of this iconic event.”
From Saturday, May 3 2008, the Barbican and Sutton Harbour will take on a buzzing festival atmosphere as it becomes home to a spectacular Race Village which will be open to the public, completely free of charge throughout the build up to the start of the race. The Race Village will provide a base for competitors and their teams during the lead up to the race, as well as creating a vibrant festival city within a city, offering a diverse programme of entertainment, food and drink specialities, art, craft and chandlery stalls and an exciting education programme.