Plymouth Sound, Solo Sailors and their race to NYC

Plymouth is celebrating the return of the World famous yacht race, The Transat bakerly! The city are going all out with an array of activities across the week to celebrate this international race. Live music, fireworks and an air display are just a few of the events planned to create the regatta atmosphere across the waterfront, the race begins on Monday 2nd May and we believe that Plymouth provides the perfect waterfront stage upon which to watch the nautical drama unfold.

So why Plymouth I hear you say…? It is the oldest and first solo Transatlantic race, first launched in 1960 following the 3,000 mile Plymouth to New York route. One of the most important and historic events in the professional offshore racing calendar, The Transat bakerly celebrates its 14th edition by returning to its origins and we couldn’t be happier to welcome it home.

Visitors are being encouraged to say hi to the sailors who arrived in Plymouth on Sunday (24th April). The world-class fleet docked their boats at Plymouth Yacht Haven and Sutton Harbour Marina where they will stay until the start of the race, from Plymouth to New York, on Monday 2nd May at approximately 2.30pm.

This world famous event has had such a positive impact on the hotel. Our rooms are almost fully booked for the week. Our location and pride in Plymouth makes us the perfect hotel to accommodate guests for the celebrations.

There is so much going on during the week that out of town guests will definitely need a place to stay where you can relax and your feet up in comfort and luxury after a busy day!

Events not to be missed include:

The Transat Race Village: Friday 29^th April to Monday 2^nd May, 10am to 5pm daily

The first May Bank Holiday weekend will welcome The Transat bakerly Race Village on Plymouth’s West Pier and Commercial Wharf from Friday 29^th April to Monday 2^nd May from 10am to 5pm daily. The village will consist of a number of sailing themed stalls including a stall for the Ellen MacArthur Trust, The Transat’s official UK race charity.

Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival: Saturday 30^th April to Monday 2^nd May

The Parade on The Barbican will become the setting for the first ever Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival where visitors can enjoy the buzzing bars and restaurants with live music from local artists. The festival will be taking place on Saturday 30^th April from 12pm to 10.30pm, Sunday 1^st May from 12pm to 5pm and Monday 2^nd May from 12pm to 5pm. Don’t forget to visit Tigermilk at the Duke to keep the party going!

Fireworks Display: Saturday 30^th April, 9.15pm

Residents and visitors can enjoy a spectacular free fireworks display over Plymouth’s waterfront area at around 9.15pm on Saturday 30^th April.

Presentation of the Skippers: Saturday 30^th April, 2.15pm

Visitors to the race village are invited to learn about the brave men and women taking on the mighty Transat race from Plymouth to New York with a presentation by the skippers on their racing experience, their preparations and their expectations for the race ahead at 2.15pm on Saturday 30^th April.

Air Display: Sunday 1^st May, 2pm

On Sunday 1^st May, there will be a 30-minute air display kicking off at 2pm. The display will feature the Extra 300 unlimited solo aerobatics, the Brietling Wingwalking Team and the Red Devils Parachute Regiment display team as they perform gravity-defying stunts in Plymouth’s skies. Lets hope they are blue and the sun is shining!

The Transat start: Monday 2^nd May, 2.30pm

Visitors can take their spot on the waterfront or on a spectator boat to watch the start of the 14^th Transat race. Four different classes of world-class sailors will set off on their journey from Plymouth to New York at 2.30pm to the cheers of the crowds. Our waterfront provides the most incredible opportunity for large crowds to enjoy a fantastic view of this world class event.

If you would like to book a room with us please visit our room selection webpage or call our reception team on 01752 275850.

We would like to wish all guests, residents and city visitors a fantastic weekend in Plymouth.