Yes you can, provided it is suitably equipped to sail offshore (Equivalent to Cat. C) and must be capable of reefing, have an engine (preferably inboard) and a keel. It must also be capable, under reasonable weather conditions, of completing the course within 8 hours.
The organisers reserve the right to refer any entry to the Sailing Officer for scrutiny and determination of suitability to enter, especially smaller yachts whose entry will automatically be referred. In the event that the boat is entered by a ‘recognised’ sailing establishment the entry must come covered by their own risk assessment and safety provision for the event.
The short answer is ‘NO’.
Yes, provided it ‘benefits the human condition’ AND has a Registered Charity Number. One boat – one charity. Tell your charity you have nominated them. They may be able to help raise sponsorship for you by highlighting it on their newsletters/website, and many are keen to thank you for thinking of them. Others may have a banner you can put on your yacht whilst sailing
You can enter online via the Registration button on this web site which is activated when Registration opens. See “This Year’s Schedule”
See “Entry” on this website. Remember there is also a 3-Boat Team event and the 341 challenge for the Smeaton Trophy. There are bonus points for early entry!
No, but since this event goes offshore you need to be aware of their capabilities for the conditions anticipated.
This is NOT a race but a ‘Fun Chase’ sailed under the International Colregs – no knowledge of racing rules needed!
It is a simple course of 26 miles sailed within the area indicated on the The Course section of this site. The course selected depends on the expected weather conditions on the day.
Some entrants and crew do not live nearby so knowing their start time means they can plan ahead. As Start Times are dependent on the weather and the type of yachts that are sailing, which changes every year, start times are usually available via the website from the Thursday before the event. Typically, start times are from 8.15-10 with a few yachts heading out earlier, and later.
Health and Safety are key. At the Skipper’s Briefing the final course is confirmed and weather conditions advised plus it is a chance to provide final sponsorship and ask any other questions. You can sign in for other yachts but are deemed responsible for keeping them informed.
You can confirm whether you are eligible for the Smeaton – 3 or more sailing on one yacht for the same company, for the Plymouth Yacht Haven and Mayflower Marina Trophies (only if you berth there regularly not just for the event) and the ‘PYH All Female Trophy’.
Where the meeting is held virtually a link will be provided. If you cannot attend please try and ensure your shoreside contact logs in and communicates the information to you. For Zoom, questions and information can be added under the ‘Chat’.
Yes, minimum of £100 but for late entry it is £150. Within normal entry date min. £100/per boat for 3-boat Team Event.
Your nominated charity will receive a part of the Prize Pot depending on how many sailing and sponsorship points you amass and how early you entered. You might even be awarded one of the discretionary prizes awarded on the day and both the 3-Boat Team event and the 341 Smeaton Trophy also have Prize Money.
ALL the prize money you win goes (is sent directly) to your charity.
Yes, Terms & Conditions must be read and agreed to on the entry form.
After the Pursuit entrants meet at the Eddystone Hall of the National Marine Aquarium for the Prize Giving ceremony and Supper. There are keepsakes (one for each yacht) given to those attending the Prize Giving.
After the supper, prizes are announced. Some prizes are in the form of a Trophy (to be kept for one year), other prizes are a monetary donation, which is made directly to the charity (as part of the Prize cheque) by the Pursuit Treasurer. The various prizes are detailed in the ‘Prizes’ section. The prize list will be put up on the website soon after the event.