Organisers of a single-handed trans-Atlantic yacht race starting from Plymouth in May have described interest from this country and overseas as 'phenomenal'.
So far 40 amateur sailors from seven countries, including France, Italy, Holland, Britain and the US, have signed up for the historic Royal Western Yacht Club's Original Single-Handed Transatlantic Race.
And the event's website is being visited by more than 70 people a day.
Chris Arscott, race director for the event - which leaves Plymouth on May 29 - said the response had been incredible, with entries doubling since December.
"The number of entries that have signed up has surpassed expectations - it really has been excellent," he said.
"Sailors looking to take part in the event need a good couple of years to prepare for the race, whether it be sorting their equipment, preparing their boats or just booking time off.
"Really, to get this number of people just a couple of months after officially launching the race is just incredible.
"To date more than 5,000 people have visited the website since it was launched in November."
The race, between Plymouth and Newport, Rhode Island, was launched by the RWYC in 1960, when it was won by Sir Francis Chichester, who arrived 40 days, 12 hours and 30 minutes after leaving Plymouth - eight days in front of second-placed competitor Blondie Hasler. Since then, the race has been run by the RWYC every four years.
Following the 2000 event, the decision was taken to divide the fleet into two, with yachts over 50ft taking part in last year's Transat race and those of 50ft and under due to race in May.

Officially called the Faraday Mill OSTAR 2005, it has so far attracted 30 monohull and 10 multihull entries.
Despite the cut-off date for entries being January 31, organisers believe more sailors will continue to sign up.
Mr Arscott said those who did would be faced with a ?250 fine for late entry.

Visit the website, www.faradaymillostar2005.co.uk