Plymouth has landed yet another international sailing event in the form of the first Women's Offshore World Series.

The event will leave Plymouth on October 28, heading for Falmouth Harbour in Antigua.

Organisers say the event has already generated a "tremendous amount" of interest among female sailors from France, Norway, Germany and the UK. More countries are expected to sign up.

The course is designed to test the sailing and navigational skills of the women crew as well as their stamina and endurance.

The 3,300-mile double-handed race is being organised by Team Concise in association with Plymouth's Royal Western Yacht Club, and The Antigua Yacht Club.

Plymouth University will be working with Women's Offshore World Series in a bid to ensure the event is a success.

One of the first teams to sign up was the British duo of Hannah Jenna and former Plymouth University student Sammie Evans.

Andrew Eccleston, lecturer in Nautical Studies at Plymouth University, said: "I am delighted to hear that one of our graduates, Sammie Evans, is entering the race.

"As a boy, I watched the first single-handed transatlantic sail from Plymouth in 1960.

"It's great to see another event following that tradition."