AROUND 300 vessels will sail into Plymouth this summer, after it was announced as host to the finish line of an internationally renowned yacht race.

The Rolex Fastnet Race will provide a visual feast and an economic boost for the city, when the event concludes at Sutton Harbour in August.

It follows the success of the Artemis Transat race at the port last year.

The event, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), will coincide with the conclusion of the Plymouth Summer Festival.

It will begin from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on August 9, and 300 vessels will compete in a 608 nautical-mile offshore race, past the major south coast headlands and round the famous Fastnet rock, before returning via the Isles of Scilly to the finishing line at Plymouth Breakwater.

The first competitors are due to arrive at Sutton Harbour Marina from Tuesday 11 onwards, when the public will be able to marvel at the spectacle of the harbour, packed with racing yachts from across the world.

Sutton Harbour Marina manager Mark Brimacombe said he was "delighted" at the choice of location, adding: "Events like the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race will no doubt play an important role in attracting visitors to Plymouth and provide a valuable boost to local businesses during these tough economic times."

Eddie Warden Owen, RORC chief executive, said: "The Rolex Fastnet Race is famous throughout the world as one of the offshore classic races. Plymouth has been an integral part of this race since its inception and it is essential that when the crews finish they are made welcome and given the best opportunity to celebrate their success in completing the challenging course.

"Sutton Harbour's location in The Barbican offers this possibility. Berthing the boats in the heart of this historic port city also gives the public an opportunity to understand better what the race is all about."

For more information, visit www.fastnetrorc.org