Record Fastnet Race Fleet Ready For The Start

15th August 2015

#rorcrfr – A new record should be set tomorrow at the Rolex Fastnet Race. This classic 603-nm offshore race, running from Cowes to Plymouth in the United Kingdom, is set to welcome its largest ever fleet, comprising almost 370 international yachts.

The impressive number, and range of competitors, reflects the race's popularity with the huge number of starters set to comfortably pass the current record of 336 competitors set two years ago.

Both the Rolex Fastnet Race, partnered by Rolex since 2001, and organisers the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) celebrate their 90th anniversary this year. "We are delighted this is a record year and by the quality of the competition and fantastic sailors who have donated their efforts and energy to be here for this special race," explained RORC Commodore Michael Boyd.

Following departure from Cowes tomorrow, the famous Rolex Fastnet race course takes the fleet down the English Channel passing The Needles – where they will spectacularly converge – Portland Bill, Start Point, The Lizard and Land's End, ahead of the open water passage across the Celtic Sea and the symbolic turn around the Fastnet Rock off the southern coast of Ireland; a rounding that heralds the race's emblematic moment as the fleet embark on the long return leg and the finish in Plymouth.

With the current weather forecast pointing to a light wind race, a convincing challenge at overturning the monohull race record set in 2011 by Ian Walker's Abu Dhabi (42 hours, 39 minutes) appears unlikely.

One of the yachts keen to challenge that record is Jim Clark's 100-ft Maxi Comanche (USA), launched last year ahead of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Skipper Ken Read is philosophical about the prevailing weather forecast. "We all play with the same breeze and have to adapt as best as we can. Dragging around seven plus metres of beam in very light air is no fun but we have to deal with it. Ian Walker is feeling very confident that his record is not going to be broken!" That said Read was still optimistic the forecast may improve following tomorrow's race start. "We just need a little bit of breeze - and if we get it - we like our chances."

Comanche's closest challengers for monohull line honours include George David's 88-ft Rambler (USA) and perennial Rolex Fastnet challenger Mike Slade with his 100-ft Leopard (GBR), one-time holder of the race record. Also in monohull line honours contention is the Maxi 72 MOMO (CAY) in addition to Volvo 70s Camper (AUS) and Monster Project (RUS) and Volvo 65 SCA.

An impressive array of multihulls – set to feature Spindrift 2, Musandam-Oman Sail (OMA), Phaedeo 3 and Concise 10 (GBR) – will compete for their own line honours title.

The Rolex Fastnet fleet, comprised of some 4,000 sailors, has everything: from the 22-strong range of Class 40 boats, former winners, intrepid first timers, crews who will be cheered by local Irish support as they round the Fastnet rock to those competing for a 26th time such as Dutchman Piet Vroon on Tonnerre 4 (NED).

The fleet also includes American entry Dorade, the 52-ft two-time winner of the race in the 1930s, who will compete against fellow S&S classic yawls comprising Argyll, sailed by actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones.

Helming one of the smallest boats in the fleet are the double-handed crew of Lucinda Allaway and Tom Barker on Contessa 32 Hurrying Angel. Their target for the week is typical of the race's Corinthian spirit: "Our aim is to be in Plymouth in time for the Friday night party," explained Allaway. "We probably have a little bit more food onboard than the other boats...." Anything is possible at the Rolex Fastnet Race, often dubbed 'The Everest of the Ocean'. In 2013 the race was won – for the first time – by a double-handed crew in the shape of father and son team Pascal and Alexis Loison on Night and Day (FRA). They are back to defend their title.

The first of seven starts will be called from the Royal Yacht Squadron tomorrow at 12:00 BST.

For more on the race read WM Nixon's blog Fastnet Becomes Slownet As Jetstream Takes A Holiday

Published in Fastnet

Fastnet Race Live Tracker 2023

Track the progress of the 2023 Fastnet Yacht Race fleet on the live tracker above

The 50th edition of the 700-mile race organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club starts from Cowes, Isle of Wight, on Saturday, 22nd July.

Published in Fastnet

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RORC Fastnet Race

This race is both a blue riband international yachting fixture and a biennial offshore pilgrimage that attracts crews from all walks of life:- from aspiring sailors to professional crews; all ages and all professions. Some are racing for charity, others for a personal challenge.

For the world's top professional sailors, it is a 'must-do' race. For some, it will be their first-ever race, and for others, something they have competed in for over 50 years! The race attracts the most diverse fleet of yachts, from beautiful classic yachts to some of the fastest racing machines on the planet – and everything in between.

The testing course passes eight famous landmarks along the route: The Needles, Portland Bill, Start Point, the Lizard, Land’s End, the Fastnet Rock, Bishop’s Rock off the Scillies and Plymouth breakwater (now Cherbourg for 2021 and 2023). After the start in Cowes, the fleet heads westward down The Solent, before exiting into the English Channel at Hurst Castle. The finish for 2021 is in Cherbourg via the Fastnet Rock, off the southern tip of Ireland.

The leg across the Celtic Sea to (and from) the Fastnet Rock is known to be unpredictable and challenging. The competitors are exposed to fast-moving Atlantic weather systems and the fleet often encounter tough conditions

Flawless decision-making, determination and total commitment are the essential requirements. Crews have to manage and anticipate the changing tidal and meteorological conditions imposed by the complex course

The symbol of the race is the Fastnet Rock, located off the southern coast of Ireland. Also known as the Teardrop of Ireland, the Rock marks an evocative turning point in the challenging race

Once sailors reach the Fastnet Rock, they are well over halfway to the finish in Cherbourg.

Fastnet Race - FAQs

When is the next Fastnet Race?

The 49th edition of the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, UK on Sunday 8th August 2021.

What's new about the 2021 Fastnet Race?

The next two editions of the race in 2021 and 2023 will finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin at the head of the Normandy peninsula, France

What will the fleet size be for the 2021 Fastnet Race?

Over 300. A record fleet is once again anticipated for the world's largest offshore yacht race.

Who races in the Fastnet Race?

The international fleet attracts both enthusiastic amateur, the seasoned offshore racer, as well as out-and-out professionals from all corners of the world.

What types of boats compete in the Fastnet Race?

Boats of all shapes, sizes and age take part in this historic race, from 9m-34m (30-110ft) – and everything in between.

What is the multihull Fastnet Race record?

The Fastnet Race multihull course record is: 1 day 4 hours 2 minutes and 26 seconds (2019, Ultim Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Franck Cammas / Charles Caudrelier)

What is the monohull Fastnet Race record?

The Fastnet Race monohull course record is: 1 day, 18 hours, 39 minutes (2011, Volvo 70, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing).

Who won the 2019 Fastnet Race?

David and Peter Askew's American VO70 Wizard won the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race, claiming the Fastnet Challenge Cup for 1st in IRC Overall.

How long has Rolex sponsored the Fastnet Race?

Rolex SA has been a longstanding sponsor of the race since 2001.

When was the first Fastnet Race held?

The first race was in 1925 with 7 boats. The Royal Ocean Racing Club was set up as a result.

What boat was the winner of the first Fastnet Race?

The winner of the first Fastnet Race was the former pilot cutter Jolie Brise, a boat that is still sailing today.

Was there an Irish entry in the first Fastnet Race?

Cork sailor Henry P F Donegan (1870-1940), who gave his total support for the Fastnet Race from its inception in 1925 and competed in the inaugural race in his 43ft cutter Gull from Cork.

Has Ireland every won the Fastnet Race?

Ireland has won the Fastnet Race twice. In 1987 the Dubois 40 Irish Independent won the Fastnet Race overall for the first time and then in 2007 – all of twenty years after Irish Independent’s win – Ireland secured the overall win again this time thanks to Ger O’Rourke’s Cookson 50 Chieftain from the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland in Kilrush.

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At A Glance – Fastnet Race