Plymouth Regatta 2015 announces partner charity

Plymouth Regatta 2015, organised by the Port of Plymouth Sailing Association, is pleased to announce that the Regatta charity this year will be the National Coastwatch Institution, Rame Head. Also, in the middle of an already busy programme of events, Inter Club Cadet Team Racing is being staged in the Cattewater on the Saturday in full view from The Royal Western Yacht Club and the Race village.

It's particularly fitting that the Regatta, staged over three days from 17th – 19th July, has teamed up with the Rame Head NCI as their lookout station stands guard over two of the three regatta race courses. An entirely voluntary organisation, the NCI keeps a visual watch along UK shores, with each station assisting in the protection and preservation of life at sea and around the UK coastline.

There are currently 50 NCI stations around the UK's coastline, operated and manned by over 2000 volunteers. Whilst high technology and sophisticated systems are aids to improved safety, a computer cannot spot a distress flare, an overturned boat or a yachtsman or fisherman in trouble. Other vulnerable activities like diving, wind surfing and canoeing are made safer with visual surveillance.

Regatta director, Neil Dunkley, said: "Their work, providing the eyes and ears along the coast and monitoring radio channels, is totally funded by donations. Myself and the Regatta committee are hopeful regatta competitors will give generously as the NCI are a great comfort to those who partake in our sport."

The Inter Club Cadet Team Racing, which is very kindly sponsored by Neil Pryde, will be part of a fun and action packed Saturday at the Race Village where a host of family centered activities will be taking place in and around the Race Marquee. The racing forms part of the Cornwall and Plymouth RS Fever Race Development Programme 2015, cadets from the many sailing clubs dotted around the Sound, the Plym and Tamar Rivers will compete against clubs from across the two counties. Friends and family will be able to entertain the youngsters not on the water with face painting, a BBQ and a fascinating street artist to mention just a few of the stalls, while still keeping a close eye on the race course which is in full view from the shore side.

With three fleets holding their National Championships during the regatta bringing nearly 50 boats between them, as well as the normal regatta visitors, IRC, NHC, Sports boats and White Sail, it's looking like the three race courses are set to be busy. Add that to a packed social programme in the Race Marquee, it's time to visit the Regatta website, www.plymouthregatta.org for the full details and fill out your entry form.

The regatta is supported by The Cattewater Harbour Commission and Atwell Martin Estate Agents.