The Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Plymouth is set to be an unmissable event, with Britain’s iconic Ocean City providing the ultimate backdrop to the most competitive racing water. Here’s how to get there:
By Car
Plymouth is easily accessible from most locations within the UK. Use Google Maps to find the quickest route.
Driving time from London is around four hours
Driving time from Manchester is around four and a half hours
Driving time from Cardiff is around two and a half hours
There are over 50 car parks in Plymouth, 19 of which are location around the city centre.
By Bus
Plymouth’s three park and ride sites will be fully open on July 30/31, with services running every half an hour. These are the Coypool Park & Ride, the George Junction Park & Ride and the Milehouse Park & Ride.
Note: The Plymouth Argyle football club will be playing at home on July 30 next to the Milehouse site, so use other sites on this date if possible.
Plymouth’s Citybus is the main bus service. Full details of bus times and locations can be found on the Traveline South West website.
By Coach
National Express operates daily coach services to Plymouth from departure points across the UK. For tickets and pricing, visit nationalexpress.com
By Train
Note: GWR and National Rail will be on strike on Wednesday 27 and Saturday 30 July.
On 27 July, there will be no rail services on some routes south of Plymouth and very limited services between Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol and London.
On 30 July there will be no rail services serving Plymouth.
There are also restricted services on 28 and 31 July, with services likely to be busy. Travel by rail should only be attempted if absolutely essential, and ticket holders are advised to use alternative methods of travel.
For more information, visit GWR’s strike page.
By Plane
Bristol, Exeter and Newquay airports are all within close distance to Plymouth.
From Bristol airport, visitors can transfer from the Airport Terminal to Bristol Temple Meads train staton using the A1 bus. From there, a direct train to Plymouth takes two and a half hours.
Stagecoach offers a regular service between Bristol Airport and Plymouth, which takes two hours, fifty minutes.
The journey from Bristol airport to Plymouth is 108 miles and takes just under two hours.
From Exeter airport, travellers wishing to travel by train will need to take a taxi to either Exeter St Davids or Exeter Central. From here, direct trains run to Plymouth taking between an hour and an hour and fifteen minutes.
National Express runs a coach service from Exeter Airport to Plymouth Bus Station, taking roughly two hours, ten minutes.
By car, Plymouth is about fifty minutes to an hour from Exeter.
The nearest train station from Newquay airport is around 15 minutes away by taxi. Once there, a train will take around one hour fifty minutes to Plymouth, with one change at Par station.
National Express offers a limited daily coach service from Newquay to Plymouth in one hour thirty-five minutes.
Driving from Newquay to Plymouth will take just over an hour.
Bag search
All attendees will be subject to a bag search. This is a condition of entry and will be carried out by our security team.
Are there any forbidden items?
Yes - you are not permitted to bring in glass, cans, BBQs, weapons, illegal substances, fireworks, flares, speakers etc into the event site. This is not an exhaustive list and any permissible items are at the discretion of our Security Manager based on our licensing conditions.
How can I buy a ticket for SailGP?
Tickets can be purchased online at www.sailgp.com/greatbritain
How do I get my ticket and what happens if I can’t find my confirmation?
Tickets will be emailed to you at the time of purchase. Tickets will be scanned at the gates for fast entry - either on your mobile device or printed. If you can’t find your ticket, please contact Plymouth@sailgp.com.
What is the difference between Access and Premium Admission?
Both tickets include entry into the Access Fan Village.
However, Waterfront Premium is an exclusive area within the official Fan Village. Expect a complimentary drink from one of our partners, extra dining options, comfy seating, luxury toilets, commentary and big screens to watch the action-packed racing combined.
Can I get a refund?
Please read the Refund Policy on our website.
When is the event?
The event is on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st July 2022. The Fan Village is open 12:00 - 18:00 and the racing is approximately between 14:00 - 15:30.
Where in Plymouth is the event?
The Fan Village is located in Hoe Park, Plymouth, PL1 2PU.
The F50s will race on the Sound. Weather and wind permitting, the finish line will be directly opposite the Fan Village.
Getting to the event
We’re an event powered by nature and with sustainability at the forefront of all actions. We have worked closely with Plymouth County Council to increase public transport across event days.
- By train - Plymouth is well connected by train and the event site is a 20 minute easy to navigate walk from Plymouth Train Station.
- By foot - The Hoe is easily accessible by foot from all directions.
- By car - We expect Plymouth to be very busy over the event weekend, and there is limited parking in the city available. There is no specific event parking available.
Can I fly my own drone / UAV?
There is an Air Exclusion Zone in place during the event week and race days, covering both Fan Village area and Plymouth Sound. Drones are not permitted at any time during the event.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs, aside from assistance dogs, are not permitted within ticketed areas.
Can I bring a Camera?
Amateur photography is permitted. However, any professional photographer must request media accreditation.
What is in the Fan Village?
A wide selection of food & beverages, live music, commentary and large screens, sponsor activations, toilets and much more including the winners presentation on stage.
Does the Fan Village have age restrictions?
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and be in possession of a ticket. No tickets are required if a child is under the age of 4.
Accessibility
The event site is located on parkland, which is grassed, uneven and open to the weather. Access to the event site is through standard pavements and roadways. There are a number of DDA accessible compliant disabled toilets on site.
Will this event take place rain or shine?
Yes - the event is scheduled to take place rain or shine. In the event of adverse weather conditions please check the sailgp.com/plymouth website for updates.
Official Spectator Boat FAQs
SailGP has partnered exclusively with Plymouth Boat Trips as the Official Spectator Boat Partner for SailGP Great Britain Grand Prix.
What and Where?
The SailGP Official Spectator Boat departs from Commercial Wharf, Plymouth, PL1 2NX. Please present your ticket to gain entrance. You will need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure and bring valid photo identification, as the venue reserves the right to require it for entry.
We regret that boats cannot wait for late arrivals. Unauthorized duplication or sale of your ticket may prevent you from being admitted into the event.
What time do the boats depart and return?
The boats depart at approximately 13:00 and return at 16:00 on Saturday and 13:30 - 16:30 Sunday. The departure and return address is Commercial Wharf, Plymouth, PL1 2LR
Can we bring our own drinks?
Drinks may not be brought onboard. All boats are licensed premises with bar facilities available.
Do the spectator boats provide food & beverages during the cruise?
On-Water Premium: a selection of light bites, as well as alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks, are available as a part of your experience. You are not permitted to consume alcoholic drinks that have not been purchased on board.
Is wheelchair access available?
Most vessels are wheelchair accessible, with disabled access toilets on board. We recommend that you check which vessel is being used before traveling or booking a trip or cruise. Please call a member of the Plymouth Boat Trips team on 01752 253 153 who will advise you further and discuss which will best suit your needs.
For all our trips, crew are on hand to give help and assistance to disabled and less able-bodied passengers, while boarding and during the duration of the trip. Assistance dogs are very welcome on board and water bowls can be provided on request.
Are there facilities for children?
All children under 18 years must be escorted by adults. Children are welcome to cruise, however, please keep in mind that you are on the boat for several hours.
What if it is raining or the weather is bad?
The Official Spectator Boats will operate regardless of the weather. Boat features include comfortable all-weather lounges with expansive viewing windows.
Should the event be canceled for any reason you will be contacted with further details.
Are seats assigned?
There is no assigned seating, guests can move freely around the vessel.
What is the dress code?
Smart casual
Are cameras and photography allowed?
Amateur photography is permitted. However, any professional photographer must request media accreditation.
What is the route/race map?
Please download the SailGP APP for up to date maps
Download From The App Store
Download From The Google Play Store
Are there toilets on the boat?
Yes. There are disabled access toilets also.
What are the safety precautions on board?
Please see Safety - Plymouth Boat Trips by clicking here.
Can I smoke aboard?
No. Smoking is not permitted at any time.
Date Changes and Cancellation Fees
Date changes, refunds, cruise credits and cancellations are not permitted. 100% cancellation fee applies to all bookings.
Info for Boat Owners - FAQs
Where is the race?
The actual course is decided on the day, as this allows us to select the best course for weather conditions. All course routes are in Plymouth Sound, around the Breakwater and Drakes Island.
Can I watch the race from my own boat?
Absolutely. Please register your details through this link. This allows us to share the correct information and latest course route information with you.
What time should I be in position?
Earlier is better! We’re expecting a large turnout of spectator craft, so you’ll want to get the best position. The race exclusion zone will be in place from 13:00.
What does the exclusion zone look like and when is it active?
The exclusion zone is identifiable by large visible orange buoys at regular intervals. You must not enter the exclusion zone when active.
The exclusion zone will be active between 13:00 - 17:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What are the rules on water?
Standard Maritime Law and Rules apply at all times. Plymouth is also a Naval port, and you can expect to see the Naval Police around the race area.
Can I fly my own drone / UAV?
Drones are not permitted at any time during the event. This includes both on land and over water.
Some key safety reminders:
- Emergency assistance. Standard emergency procedures and methods apply.
- Know your plan - Preparation is key. Ensure you have prepped and checked your vessel, equipment and any other gear. Make sure you know the local conditions and rules where you're going.
- Lifejacket - Wear one of the right size and type at all times. Each person on board must have one.
- Communication - have at least two ways of communication that you’re comfortable and able to communicate effectively and quickly with.
- Marine weather forecast. The marine weather forecast is different from land weather forecasts. The weather will be different on the water and can change suddenly.
- Keep an active lookout. We’re expecting a large number of vessels and spectator craft, meaning likely congestion on race days. Be a responsible skipper, keep your distance and don’t get too close to other boats.
- Know your wake. Your vessel may handle big waves and wake, but other vessels may not. Be a responsible skipper, keep your distance and don’t get too close to other boats.
Please see link to Ticket Terms and Conditions here
Please see link to the SailGP Refund Policy here