HMS ARGYLL was completed in Glasgow in 1991

HMS ARGYLL to play key role in Atlantic yacht race
Mike Golding OBE will fire starting pistol from warship...

The Royal Navy is playing a key role in the famous gruelling Trans-Atlantic solo yachting race in Plymouth on Sunday, 11th May.

HMS Argyll, based in HM Naval base, Devonport, Plymouth, will be on the centre of the start line for the race in Plymouth Sound. On board the Type 23 frigate will be yachtsman Mike Golding OBE who will fire the starting flare pistol simultaneously with the ship’s ceremonial saluting cannon at 2pm.

The race, which tests endurance and sailing skills to the limit, will finish in Boston approximately 12 days later for the Imoca 60 Class and 15 days later for the shorter Class 40 boats.

The Royal Navy has strong ties with the sport of sailing through the Royal Naval Sailing Association (RNSA). It is for this reason and the fact that it is a maritime event that the Royal Navy was invited as associate partners to the race. Devonport Naval Base has long been the home of the Royal Navy in the South West and is proud to be the centre of the community and a major contributor to the economy.

Members of the RNSA were responsible for setting up and running with the support of Whitbread, the first ever trans-globe race in 1973-1974. Royal Naval personnel continue to compete in all aspects and at all levels of sailing - notably Lieutenant Commander Penny Clark (Royal Navy) has been selected for the British Olympic Sailing Team and will compete in the Laser Radial Class in Beijing later this year.

The race record for mono-hull boats stands at 12 Days 15 Hours 18 Minutes and 8 Seconds, which was set in 2004 by Mike Golding. First started in 1960, the race was won by Sir Francis Chichester in 40 Days 12 Hours and 30 Minutes followed by Lieutenant Colonel Blondie Haslar Royal Marines eight days later.

The race is held every four years and is the oldest solo race in history. The total race distance is 2,800 miles and takes the competitors through some of the most dangerous waters in the North Atlantic, passing through iceberg fields. The 1960 race is the only one where all the competitors who started (5 of 5), crossed the finish line. The lowest percentage of finishers is 51% (18 of 35) in the 1968 race.

The Transat ‘race village’ is located in the Sutton Harbour and Barbican area of Plymouth, where the Royal Navy have been given prime position for a public information stand to help promote and deliver the Service.