The city will be attracting international attention as the OSTAR 2009 (Original Single-handed Trans Atlantic Race) departs from Queen Anne’s Battery, hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club, for its thirteenth edition of the race.
With excitement bubbling all around, the event will be started by the race patron, H.R.H. The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T. The Duke will arrive on Plymouth’s Barbican Landing Stage (near Mayflower Steps) at 11.30 am before embarking on the Trinity House Vessel, Galatea, where he will shoot the starting gun at 12.30pm.
Competitors from all over the globe have entered the race, with 34 boats expected at the start line. Entrants have come from as far afield as the USA, France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Holland and of course, the United Kingdom.
It is expected that the boats will start to move out from Queen Anne’s Battery Marina into the Sound at around 10am in preparation for the race start. The best place to see the boats set sail will be from the Barbican, near the Mayflower Steps, or from the Hoe.
Local artist, Richard Allman, will be at the marina capturing the boats and emotions on canvas in his unique style.
With four competitors from Devon, including 19 year old Rob Cumming from Plymouth, it is hoped a large crowd will be there on the day to see them off and wish them luck on their trans-Atlantic adventure.
The Royal Western Yacht Club has organised a number of spectator boats which have spaces available to the public. These will depart from the Barbican at 10.30am and return at 2pm, providing spectacular views across the Sound and of the competitors. Tickets cost just £6 for children and £12 for adults.
