Plymouth is to retain its position as finishing port for the transatalantic race in 2008. Plymouth’s bid was led by Conrad Humphreys and backed by the Sutton Harbour Group, the South West Regional Development Agency and Plymouth City Council.

The racing yachts will be brought into the heart of the city at Sutton Harbour, a race village to be built around the Barbican, where the public can view them.

The Transat, from the UK to Newport, Rhode Island in the US, has started from Plymouth ever since the inaugural race in 1960 when Sir Francis Chichester won in just over 40 days, has become synonymous with the city.