Get close to the high-speed race action
Tickets have gone on sale for the best viewing areas to watch grand prix sailing off Plymouth Hoe this summer
ORGANISERS of a major sailing grand prix predicted to bring an £18million boost to Plymouth this summer have put tickets on sale – although there are areas where the action can be watched for free.
The global SailGP tour, dubbed “one of the world’s most impressive sailing events”, is due to take place in Britain’s Ocean City on July 17 and 18.
Plymouth will host the third event of SailGP Season 2 as part of the global league’s schedule for 2021 and fans in Plymouth will be able to witness the sport both on and off the water and even get close to the lineup of athletes representing Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, Spain, New Zealand and the USA.
It has been estimated that SailGP, being billed as part of Plymouth’s postponed Mayflower 400 commemoration, could bring an £18million boost to the city’s economy.
Previous events in the USA were witnessed by 24,000 spectators and delivered US$24million in economic impact while reaching a total global audience of 231million people.
Plymouth Hoe will provide a spectacular viewpoint for spectators to view the action as the foiling F50 catamarans, capable of speeds of nearly 60mph, race within the natural amphitheatre of Plymouth Sound.
A limited number of tickets for the event can be now purchased online at SailGP.com/GreatBritain. Additional tickets will be released in line with the Government Covid updates.
The on-land tickets include: Waterfront Premium – £30
With a Waterfront Premium ticket, fans will be able to access an exclusive area on Hoe Road within the Spectator Area, providing a front-row seat to the action.
Ticket includes a complimentary drink, additional dining options, comfy seating, luxury toilets, commentary and big screens plus fantastic views across Plymouth Sound. Organisers say there is no better location to watch the racing from land. Waterfront Access – Free
On land there will be a free access area within the Spectator Area on the Hoe. Access is via registration and includes live race commentary, the official merchandise store, entertainment, immersive experiences, refreshments, stage and podium with athlete appearances.
SailGP has partnered with Plymouth Boat Trips to provide the official on-water experience. With two ticket categories available – access and premium – official spectator boats will offer the closest vantage point to the racing and allow fans an unrivalled view of the athletes and F50 catamarans. The on-water tickets include: On-water Access – £45 Includes on-water access and preferred viewing position on the racecourse perimeter; outdoor space with an unrivalled view of the race action; refreshments available for purchase. A three-hour on-water experience, departing/returning at Commercial Wharf. This is a ‘climate positive ticket’, offsetting the carbon impact of the trip. On-water Premium – £120 Includes exclusive on-water access and privileged viewing position on the racecourse perimeter; selection of canapés served onboard, sourced locally and sustainably; bar. A threehour on-water experience, also departing/returning at Commercial Wharf, and also a ‘climate positive ticket’.
There is also a “bring your own boat” programme whereby people planning to watch the grand prix from their own vessel have two options to get the best vantage spot on the race course perimeter on Plymouth Sound. These are: Bring your own boat Premium – £150 + fees
Purchasing a premium SailGP flag will get spectators a breathtaking view of the action, positioned at one of the turning gates. Includes exclusive access on both days of racing, a welcome pack including a tote bag, cap and souvenir flag, and live race commentary over VHF. SailGP will offset spectators’ carbon footprint for the race day. Bring your own boat Access – Free Alternatively, spectators can register for free to bring their own boat. Once registered, they will receive an e-newsletter with essential course details.
Visit SailGP.com/GreatBritain for further detail of all ticket options and to purchase tickets.
Races will also be televised via Sky Sports and YouTube. People can also download a free SailGP App.