With the countdown to 17 and 18 July underway, Plymouth City Council is pulling out all the stops to make sure the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix is as Covid-19 secure as possible.
Council leader Nick Kelly said: “I am incredibly excited about SailGP. It is a chance to show off our city in all its glory. People all over the globe and in this country will get cracking views of Plymouth as this spectacle plays out in the Sound, and on the official broadcast, including live on SKY Sports and YouTube. But we know we still have to be careful.
“With some events falling by the wayside because of the pandemic, we want to make doubly sure that this event is as COVID secure as it can be. We are doing all we can but we need everyone to do their bit and follow guidance.”
There are still some tickets available in the spectator area on the Hoe but people will need to register in advance. (visitplymouth.co.uk/SailGP).
Numbers have been limited according to Government guidelines and the site designed so that people can spread out easily. Queuing systems are in place for concessions and as the event is ticketed, the NHS track and trace system can be used. Boat owners can also register to ‘bring their own boat’, allowing them to watch all the action at the edge of the racecourse.
Outside of the formal event, lots of people will want to watch the action taking place on the water. While there is no shortage of bracing fresh air, which helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus, everyone needs to follow the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance. To help to keep you safe:
- A PA system along the waterfront from Dutton’s to The Waterfront pub so that all along the sea front people will be able to hear the race commentary – no excuse not to spread out!
- The numbers of people who can view the race at Mountbatten Pier will be limited to avoid overcrowding
- Additional toilets and handwashing facilities at all key locations
- COVID marshalls on patrol along Hoe Road, Madeira Road, Mountbatten and Jennycliff to make sure everyone feels safe while they are out and about, reminders over the PA to stick to COVID safety measures and signage to remind people about keeping their distance
A number of roads will be closed along the waterfront to create much more space and to make it easier and safer for people to enjoy the spectacle. They are:
- Hoe Road from 6am 16 July to 10pm on 19 July
On 17 and 18 July the following roads around the Hoe will be closed on both days
- Madeira Road from 9am until 5pm
- Armada Way loop (Crowne Plaza) from 11am until 5pm
- Citadel Road from Lockyer Street to Hoe Approach from 11am to 5pm
- Windsor Place from 11am until 5pm
- Osborne Place to the junction at the back of The Esplanade 7am on 17 July to 5pm on 18 July
On 17 and 18 July the following roads around Jennycliff will be closed between 11am and 5pm on both days:
- Staddon Lane
- Jennycliff Lane from the junction of Staddon Lane to Lalebrick Road
- Lawrence Road from roundabout with Shaw Way
How to get there
The organisers want the event to be as clean and green as possible, so if you can, walk or go by bike.
All three park and ride sites in Plymouth are running where you can park for free and take the bus. Buses are run by Stagecoach South West. Concessionary bus passes can be used on board all local buses, including park and ride services, but please remember to wear a face covering on board, to keep your distance and sanitise your hands.
There are 80 spaces for disabled parking on the Hoe and a free shuttle bus – run by Access Plymouth will ferry blue badge holders from an additional disabled parking at Martin’s Street car park to the Hoe on both days. Social distancing guidelines will be followed on the service. The first shuttle bus will leave Martin Street at 12 noon and the last shuttle bus from the Hoe will depart at 7pm.
There are plenty of car parks https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/findsomewherepark
