Hat-trick for Plymouth Regatta 2015

Plymouth Regatta 2015, organised by the Port of Plymouth Sailing Association, is delighted to confirm that three fleets have elected to hold their National Championships during the regatta which takes place over three days from 17th – 19th July. The hat-trick, whose fleet captains have all acknowledged the excellent racing Plymouth Sound and the waters south of the breakwater offer are the Offshore Multi-hull Fleet, the J24's and the fast growing Seascape Class.

Together they will bring nearly 50 boats to the fast growing event which will be managing three separate race courses to accommodate them as well as the normal regatta visitors, IRC, NHC, Sports boats and White Sail. Plymouth's option to set start lines inside and outside the breakwater means everyone sailing will have courses that best suit their class and ability.

The Offshore Multi-hull fleet are keen to acknowledge this, as fleet captain Simon Baker, said: "It's always a pleasure to round the Mew Stone and head into Plymouth Sound. Plymouth is used to seeing a good number of multi-hulls regularly out racing and perhaps, because they are so visible, we have found all the marinas give us a great welcome. The breakwater does its job and the waters within the Sound are usually fairly flat. Once out beyond the breakwater though, there's the chance for longer races to the Eddystone lighthouse, or further west along the Cornish coast. As the RWYC is familiar with multi-hulls they set good reaching courses, with a long start line and enough distance between marks to get your breath back. All in all, it's highly recommended."

Regular visitors to Plymouth for their championships are the J24's. In fact it's their second visit in the past three years alone and they have often taken advantage of the breakwater's benefits. As the Plymouth fleet captain, George Kerr, explained: "There are plenty of great places to race, but Plymouth has to be one of the best. It's only a short hop to the start lines where you'll find minimal tidal flow and the breakwater which, on several occasions now, has kept our championships going when the wind has blown. Whatever the weather, Plymouth will be a great regatta both on the water and ashore."

Finally, this year's Seascape 18 UK National Championships is going to be a fiercely contested true international event, with teams competing for the top spot from all over Europe. The class spokesman, Peter Wanstall, said: "Competitors from France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Slovenia and Croatia are all expected to attend with possibly even teams from Sweden making an appearance.

Vying for the top spot will be the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 past UK Champions, plus the last three years winners of the French national Championships, all keen to get their hands on this much coveted title."

The Royal Western Yacht Club, with it's superb clubhouse location yards from the pontoons in Queen Anne Battery, will again host the regatta. Any yachtsmen looking for a well organised, fun regatta should visit the website, plymouthregatta.org and put the Plymouth Regatta in their 2015 diary.