Win an exclusive Transat bakerly meet and greet VIP package 

Around 25 of the best solo sailors will be sailing into Plymouth this April, as they prepare to take on one of the world’s greatest sailing events, The Transat bakerly and we are giving one lucky winner the chance to enjoy an exclusive champagne reception for two at the VIP G.H Mumm Lounge plus a tour of a competing boat to celebrate the start in Plymouth.

The Transat bakerly is the oldest and first solo Transatlantic race, first launched in 1960.  One of the most important and historic events in the professional offshore racing calendar, it follow the 3,000 mile route from Plymouth to New York and this year celebrates its 14th edition.

Shoreside

Visitors are invited to welcome the sailors into Plymouth between 9am and 11am on Sunday 24 April. The world-class fleet will dock their boats at Plymouth Yacht Haven and Sutton Harbour Marina until the start of the race, from Plymouth to New York, on Monday 2 May at approximately 2.30pm.

During the first May Bank Holiday weekend residents and visitors and will be able to kick-back and relax in the bars and restaurants whilst enjoying a feast of entertainment including a Race Village, a brand new Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival, air and firework displays, due to be set off from the Plymouth waterfront at approximately 9.15pm on Saturday 30 April, as well as street entertainment.

Located on West Pier and Commercial Wharf, The Transat bakerly Race Village will be open from Friday 29 April until Monday 2 May, 10am to 5pm daily. As well as hosting a number of sailing themed stalls, including the Ellen MacArthur Trust, visitors will get the chance to find out more about this transatlantic spectacular.

The Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival will take place in The Barbican on Saturday 30 April: 12pm to 10.30pm, Sunday 1 May: 12pm to 5pm and Monday 2 May: 12pm to 5pm.  Live music will include performances from The Hottentot Figs, The UK Meltones, Bad Knees Blues Band, Vince Lee and the Big Combo, Ben Robey and Redhouse.  More artists will be announced soon.

On Sunday 1 May at 2pm the air display will run for approximately 30 minutes and will feature the Extra 300 unlimited solo aerobatics, the Brietling Wingwalking Team and the Red Devils Parachute Regiment parachute display team. 

The Competitors

The Transat bakerly boasts an impressive line-up of world-class solo competitors ranging from offshore racing veterans and Vendée Globe winners to ambitious adventurers with a passion for the extreme.

Four classes of boat will take part in this solo North Atlantic challenge. The Ultimes, giant flying trimarans measuring up to 90ft, are the biggest and fasted boats taking part in the race. The Transat’s three ultimes are expected to make it to New York in between seven and eight days.

Measuring 60ft and made from super light carbon fibre, the IMOCA 60s are made for top speed and to withstand crashing oceans. The IMOCAs taking part are expected to reach New York in less than 12 days.

Also expected to finish in less than 12 days are the five Multi50s. A nimble 50ft trimaran, the Multi50 is a well-practiced competitor and a popular racing tri since the 1970s.

The Class40 is the smallest boat in the fleet, measuring 40ft. It’s a tough and highly competitive keelboat, well equipped for taking on the North Atlantic Ocean. The Class40 competitors will take part, expected to reach New York in around 14 to 15 days.

To find out more about the Transat bakerly visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk or www.thetransat.com/ for the low down on all the competitors.

COMPETITION – WIN A VIP MEET AND GREET

Transat bakerly Meet and Greet VIP Prize Package:

Friday 29 April, 1630 to 1830

1630 - Meet & Greet at the G.H. Mumm Lounge

1645 - The Transat Boat tour

1730 - Champagne Reception in G.H. Mumm Lounge

As part of this money can’t buy prize, you and your guest will be invited to relax with a glass of G.H Mumm champagne in The Transat bakerly VIP area on Plymouth waterfront, before putting your questions to one of the race’s world-class competitors.

This is a unique opportunity to find out more about The Transat bakerly from the best in the business, the lucky prize winner will also be privy to a walk around The Transat pontoons and have the chance to hop on board one of the finely tuned ocean racing machines, before they set off on the 3,000 transatlantic race.

To be in with a chance of winning this great prize simply tell us where the race starts and finishes.

Email your answer to editor.inbrief@rya.org.uk

The winner will be contacted by email on Thursday 21 April.

Competition Terms & Conditions

The competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 of any nationality.

The prize is two VIP access tickets to the G.H Mumm Lounge, a meet and greet with a Transat skipper, a tour of one of the boats entered in the race and a champagne reception on Friday 29th April. Transport to and from the event is not included. Which skipper in attendance at the meet and greet and will be subject to availability on the day.  The Transat boat tour is subject to the skipper’s permission on the day, and may be moved to another vessel should essential work be underway. The winner will be picked at random from all correct entrants.