Major international sailing race comes to Plymouth next year

Thousands of sailing enthusiasts are expected to descend on Plymouth next year when the city hosts a top international sailing race.

The 45th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro will stopover in Plymouth in June as some of the world's top yachtsmen and women compete for the title.

The Figaro is considered to be the world championships for single-handed yachtsmen and women and local sailor, Sam Goodchild will be among those taking part. The 24 year old achieved the best British result since 1975 after finishing this year's race in 11th place.

Sam Goodchild, sailor: "To have the Solitaire du Figaro come to Sutton Harbour in Plymouth is fantastic news, to be able to sail home in the key event of the season will be exciting. I really hope we can use it as a springboard to increase the awareness of short-handed sailing to the general public in the UK."

It's the first time the month long, four leg race has ever been to Plymouth. Around 45 sailors, all on identical 33ft boats will arrive in Sutton Harbour at the end of Leg 1 on Wednesday 11 June. The course and stopover ports change every year. In 2014 the race will start in Deauville in Normandy before crossing the Channel to Plymouth. From Plymouth the fleet will race to Roscoff, Les Sables d’Olonne and Cherbourg.

Plymouth's bid to host the Solitaire was put together by the 'A Future in Sailing' consortium working in partnership with Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc. The group, made up of Plymouth City Council, Destination Plymouth, Royal Western Yacht Club, Plymouth University, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Horizons Children's Sailing Charity and Sam Goodchild Racing's team are working together to promote marine projects in the city.

Amanda Lumley, Chief Executive, Destination Plymouth said: "Working with our 'A Future in Sailing' local consortium partners we will host an exciting and engaging event in partnership with Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc. With its historic backdrop and vibrant shops, bars and restaurants it is the perfect place for this event. We anticipate upwards of 30,000 people will attend the event during the days it is here from 11 to 14 June and there will be activities for the whole community including music, entertainment and opportunities to view the yachts up close."

Councillor Mark Lowry, Plymouth City Council Cabinet member for Finance added: "I'm delighted we are once again welcoming a prestigious sailing event to Plymouth. Our waterfront is a spectacular venue and La Solitaire du Figaro promises to be an exciting addition to our 2014 events calendar. This is a great example of how we can all work together in Plymouth to bring such events to the city."

The fleet will set sail from Plymouth for the second leg of the race on Saturday 14 June.

Jason Schofield, Chief Executive, Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc: "It will be an honour to welcome another prestigious sailing event to Sutton Harbour, cementing its growing reputation as a destination of regional and national significance and a jewel in the crown of Plymouth's waterfront."

Following the success of the America's Cup World Series in 2011, it's hoped the Solitaire du Figaro will reinforce that Plymouth, as Britain's Ocean City, is a fantastic venue for such events and one of the leading sailing destinations in Europe, if not the world.