The Artemis Transat

PROGRAM OF THE EVENT 

3 – 4 May
BOAT ARRIVALS IN PLYMOUTH
The 30-strong boat fleet will arrive in Plymouth during the Bank Holiday weekend. Spectators will be able to see the boats enter through the lock gates into Sutton Harbour, where they will be berthed until the start of the race.

3-11 May
THE RACE VILLAGE
The Sutton Harbour Race Village will open at 1000 BST on Saturday 3rd May. It will be open from 1000 BST until 1800 BST each day until the race start on 11th May. The Race Village will host many attractions including the Club Mumm/VIP Hospitality Centre, the Ocean Racing Exhibition, the Royal Navy Display, the BT Race Hub, the Tall Ship ‘Earl of Pembroke’, the famous Gypsy Moth IV and street entertainment.

3 – 10 May
BARBICAN JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
The inaugural Barbican Jazz & Blues Festival is being funded by Plymouth City Council and The Artemis Transat at Sutton Harbour. and has won the support of big-name sponsors including Plymouth Gin, Sutton Harbour and Air Southwest. The music festival is taking place between 3rd to 11th May across a network of venues in the historic quarter of Plymouth. The event was conceived by Dan Thompson, of Kaos Production and Barbican-based venue The B-bar. It is designed to run alongside The Artemis Transat at Sutton Harbour. Further information on timings and venues can be found at http://www.barbicanjazzandbluesfestival.com

6  - 9 May
OCEAN RACING EXHIBITION
The Ocean Racing Exhibition is designed to give an insight into life on an ocean racing yacht including the technology of the boat, the challenges facing the skipper, and the ways in which the boat’s sustainable use of energy can be more broadly applied in society. The exhibition is supported by the University of Plymouth, and also fits into a schools programme featuring the National Marine Aquarium. The University, through its Widening Participation Programme, hopes to encourage interest in careers at sea.

7 May
CHAMPAGNE G.H. MUMM GOURMET DINNER
Gourmet dinner at Tanners, AA Restaurant of the year. 6 tasting courses will be paired with 6 fine champagnes from the g.h. Mumm range. Artemis skipper Jonny Malbon to give a talk to guest about life on the open seas. Tickets available for purchase from the restaurant on 01752252001 (£65/person)

9 May
VIP SKIPPER RECEPTION
An official VIP reception of The Artemis Transat to welcome the skippers will take place between 1800 BST and 2000 BST.

11 May
BOATS LEAVE SUTTON HARBOUR FOR THE START AREA
Boats will start leave the pontoons at 1000 BST on race start day. They will proceed one by one through the lock gates and sail past Plymouth Hoe before heading out to the start area.

11 May 2008
OFFICIAL START OF THE ARTEMIS TRANSAT
The race will start at 1400 BST. The activity south of the breakwater (see above map) can be seen from Plymouth Hoe, with the best views from Staddon Heights and the Jennycliff, on the eastern side of Plymouth Sound.