More boats on board for Barratt Homes Plymouth Race Week

Entries and commitment continue to abound for Barratt Homes Plymouth Race Week 2011, bolstered by the recent announcement that two more classes are set to hold their Championships at the new regatta. The South West Areas IRC Championship and MOCRA’s National Championships who, combined, will bring in the region of 60 -70 more boats to what is already looking set to be a major event in this year’s sailing calendar from the 7th – 10th July.

This follows on from pre New Year interest and commitment from Devon Yawls, Half and Quarter tonners and both the Sigma fleets. The Impala’s, who are also looking into holding their National Championships, SB3’s, Melges, 1720’s and the Farr 45 fleet are all showing considerable interest. Along with the Flying 15’s and the Squibs, who will have recently finished their Nationals in the port, it’s hoped many of them will stay on to join in too.

The Royal Western’s Commodore, Chris Arscott commented: “We are absolutely delighted that both these classes have given us their assurance they plan to attend our regatta. Setting up a new event on this scale can be a nerve-racking experience but, add these latest two to the multitude of other classes and individuals who are attending, it really is taking off. We always intended this to be on a big scale – there’s so much on offer here and we are maximising all Plymouth has to offer the discerning yachtsman, afloat and on shore.”

International Race Officer, Mike Pearson, who is heading up Barratt Homes Plymouth Race Week’s team of international and national race officials will ensure competitive racing for each individual Class on three challenging courses. One inside and two outside of Plymouth Breakwater, plus another for the all important White Sail fleet.

Billed as ‘The Yachtsman’s Regatta’, the White Sail Fleet is an integral aspect of the event. The organisers are very keen to encourage sailors who don’t normally race but who would like to take part, possibly with their family, racing on less demanding courses without the need to raise a spinnaker to compete on a level playing field.

Continuing that theme, a tented ‘race village’ overlooking Queen Anne’s Battery Marina and adjoining the Barbican’s shops restaurants and watering holes, will not only provide fabulous après sail, but also enhance that family friendly atmosphere. With fairs, a jazz festival and many other activities and attractions already scheduled, this is going to be an unadulterated yachting extravaganza for all abilities.

As Pete Goss, who is lending his support to the event, commented: “With their past record for organising prestigious races and regattas, I have no doubt that 'Plymouth Race Week 2011' will offer well run competitive racing. Sailed in some of the best and most accommodating waters that the UK has to offer and complimented by Plymouth's unrivaled waterfront, this has the potential to be exactly as described - The Yachtsman's Regatta."

More updates, past press releases and news keep up to date with the latest developments on the Barratt Homes Plymouth Race Week 2011 website.