Following on the success of the challenging Petit Bateau 2004 race, which crossed the Biscay and visited four countries, Petit Bateau Ltd has announced an exciting new race week – The Singlehanded Channel Race.

The regatta which comprises a series of six single-handed races that criss-cross the English Channel in June 2005 and taking in 300 miles, has been designed to encourage skippers new to singlehanded racing, as well as provide a challenging course for the more experienced singlehanders.

The fleet will visit some great harbours for the usual Petit Bateau hospitality.

The race schedule

Sunday 19 June – Lymington to Cherbourg (65 miles)

Monday 20 – Cherbourg to St Peter Port (40 miles)

Tuesday 21 – St Peter Port to Treguier (40 miles)

Wednesday 22/23 – Treguier to Plymouth (overnight) (94 miles)

Friday 24 – Plymouth to Falmouth (40 miles)

Saturday 25 – Falmouth local day race (25 miles) and prize giving

Entry is open to monohulls and multihulls in Open classes. Additional prizes will be awarded based on IRC and MOCRA handicaps. The event is aimed at boats of 30 to 45 ft loa but others may apply.

Other than the OSTAR, this is likely to be the UK’s only major single-handed race for 2005 and is therefore expected to be well attended by experienced and aspiring soloists from a number of countries.

For more information and to enter online visit: www.petitbateau.org.uk Or call Paul Peggs 44(0)780 2640 700.