The first Leg crews will assemble at JSASTC on Monday 6^th July to begin their preparations for the start of Exercise TRANSGLOBE.  They will receive safety briefs, be kitted out with their TRANSGLOBE clothing, conduct pre-departure sail training and store their respective yachts with all the victuals and supplies needed for the three week passage to the Canary Islands.  They will also participate in the pre-start PR events and attend the Patrons’ reception on Thursday 9^th July.

All Exercise TRANSGLOBE crew members and their families will be most welcome to attend the start at Southsea Castle.  Along with the public you will be able to witness the arrival of the yachts with their RN escorts and supporting vessels in the start area at noon.  On completion of the air displays, the yachts will line up ready for the start gun signal at 13:00.  As dictated by the wind direction on the day the start will be to windward to a prearranged mark. The yachts will then run downwind back towards the Castle before setting their course though the Solent onwards to the Canary Islands. 

The families of all Leg 1 crews will be invited to join the sponsors and VIPs in a programme that will include brunch with the crews before they say their individual farewells.  While the crews embark, slip from their moorings and assemble for the escorted procession out of Portsmouth Harbour to the start line, the guests will be taken to a special viewing area within the Castle ready for the displays. Families and supporters of Exercise TRANSGLOBE will be able to follow the progress of the yachts and their crews using the website map linked to a GPS tracking system.  There will be a daily blog from a crew member on each yacht and you will be able to send email messages to the crew via the Project Office web address.