Take a day trip to France and see Ellen MacArthur start her transatlantic race to Brazil for only £44.95* per person

On Saturday, 5th November, an exceptional fleet of world class racing boats will line up in the port of Le Havre in Normandy, for the start of the 7th edition of the transatlantic classic 'Transat Jaques Vabres' - a two-handed crew race from France to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. Amongst the contenders, which will include the world's top international pro sailors, will be Britain's very own Ellen MacArthur racing alongside French ace Roland Jourdain (aka Bilou) on the 60 foot racing boat 'Sill et Veolia'.

It promises to be quite a spectacle as these magnificent racing machines go head to head in a line up for the start, as they all jostling for pole position. And there's plenty of entertainment being laid on; watch the boats depart from dockside in parade formation, enjoy live music, live commentaries and other live shows, there guarantees to be something for everyone in the family to see and do.

You can travel over for the day from Portsmouth to Caen and back on Brittany Ferries' 24-hour excursion fare, but to make the most of the time available, it's best to take your car. By crossing on the high-speed ferry, Normandie Express, on Saturday 5 November departing at 07.00, you arrive in Caen at 11.45 an hour's drive (55 miles) away from Le Havre. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before the start of the race at 15.00 and a return departure at 23.30 allows time for a visit to one of the many hypermarkets and wine warehouses near the port. This overnight crossing gets you into Portsmouth at 07.00 on Sunday. *The cost per passenger is only £44.95 based on 4 passengers travelling in a standard sized car with reclining seats on the overnight service.

For information on Brittany Ferries and reservations visit www.brittanyferries.com or call 08705 360 360

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Released 12 October 2005