La Solitaire du Figaro - Eric Bompard cachemire
They're coming! With only a day to go, 38 of the world's top sailors will be arriving in Plymouth at the end of Leg 1 of La Solitaire du Figaro - Eric Bompard cachemire.
The race, organised by Pen Duick, started in Deauville in Normandy last week before crossing the Channel to Plymouth. Plymouth will be the host city from Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 June and is supported by Experience Sutton Harbour, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth University, Destination Plymouth and Plymouth’s Waterfront Partnership.
From Plymouth the fleet will race to Roscoff then make their way down the West coast of France to Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée region before finishing in Cherbourg.
The event organisers arrived this morning and the competitors will be arriving into Sutton Harbour tomorrow evening, Wednesday 11 June, from approximately 7pm.
It’s the first time the month-long, four-leg race has ever been to Plymouth. The identical 33ft racing boats will be moored in Sutton Harbour until Saturday 14th so come down, take a look at these fantastic yachts and soak up the atmosphere.
Plymouth’s very own Sam Goodchild is taking part in the race and has named his boat, Team Plymouth. To keep track of his position in the race, or to see where the boats are visit the online tracker.
Throughout the weekend there will be plenty to do for the whole family with race villages open on the Hoe where people can talk to the skippers and learn everything there is to know about the race and more.
Horizons Children’s Sailing Charity and Mount Batten Watersports will be offering free sailing taster sessions for children from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday and a children’s play area will be at West Pier.
If that’s not enough there will be stalls boasting arts, crafts and cookery demonstrations with Sutton Harbour’s Summer Showcase.
Thousands of people are expected to line Plymouth’s waterfront when the Solitaire fleet leaves on Saturday evening.
The sailors will begin Leg 2 with a race inside the breakwater, an incredible spectacle with all 38 boats racing between Jennycliff, Mount Edgcumbe and the Hoe.
The much loved International Jazz and Blues Festival will add music and light entertainment to this four day sailing spectacular.
Kicking off on Friday the Jazz and Blues Festival will take place over the entire weekend, 12pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday and 12pm to 7pm on Sunday, at Quay Square on the Barbican.
A Barbican Wharves Fringe Event will also take place on Saturday with special guest performance from Vince Lee and Becca Langsford from 2.30pm to 4pm.
For more information about all these events including the activities and music line-ups visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk
