#FastnetRace - It's the world's biggest offshore race, heading into its 46th edition when the fleet sets of from Cowes on 16 August. And while others might sail over longer distances, the 603 nautical miles of the legendary Fastnet Race present a challenge above all others.

It's a challenge that brings the world's best – among a fleet of hundreds – to the Isle of Wight each year to race to 'the Rock' and back. It's also a level sailing field, with superstar boats like George David's new Rambler 88 and Sidney Gavignet's MOD 70 Musandam-Oman Sail racing alongside Corinthian entries purely in it for the experience of a lifetime.

'Rock star' skippers from the IMOCA 60s of the Vendée Globe will be measuring up against the likes of Team SCA, fresh from their remarkable performance in the nine-month round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race and competing in their second Fastnet Race.

There's even a few famous faces beyond the sailing world to watch out for, like comedian and TV personality Griff Rhys Jones – known for his Three Men in a Boat series with Rory McGrath and Bray funnyman Dara Ó Briain – who will be entering his classic 57ft yacht Argyll into this year's race.

But one group spectators should ignore at their peril is the Irish contingent. With a number of big winners, champions and Fastnet veterans among them, they will be striving to give the big boys a run for their money come 16 August.

Antix, Ker 40

Following a successful 2014 – with a win in the Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup with his Irish team that signalled the last hurrah for his beloved Ker 39, and receiving the RORC Yacht of the Year award, Anthony O'Leary began 2015 with yet another award – this time Afloat's Sailor of the Year prize – and a search for a new boat to race.

Soon enough, the Royal Cork champion found it in the Ker 40 Catapult, owned by American Marc Glimcher. Now it's O'Leary's, rechristened as Antix, and ready to make her Fastnet Race debut with an undoubtedly expert and experienced team, likely including the helm's son and Olympic Star sailor Peter O'Leary.

Jet Dream, J/105

"I bought Jet Dream in 2012 and it was love at first sight," said Philip Bourke ahead of last year's Cork Week. But he'll really be putting that love to the test when he takes the J/105 out of the Solent towards Fastnet Rock, a journey the Westport sailor first made 22 years ago on board former Admiral's Cup yacht Justine IV.

That race was a particularly breezy one, but luckily for Bourke, Jet Dream "loves all windy conditions. During the Round Ireland Race we reached a top speed of 20 knots - she took it in her stride and handled like a dream, hence the name."

Big Deal, Dehler 34

Though their Dehler 34's been in their hands for a decade, offshore racing is a relatively recent project for the father-son duo of Derek and Conor Dillon. If only the Kerry family connection had started sooner, as their years of practice translated into victory in the two-handed class in last year's Round Ireland Yacht Race, not to mention success in the ISORA 2014 silver fleet and two Calves Week wins.

"Every year we are trying to go bigger and bolder," they say, and the Fastnet presents "an opportunity to compete in a legendary race against the best the world has to offer as well as, of course, making lifetime memories together."

Despite this being their debut Fastnet Race, and the difficulties of being a double-handed entry, the duo is putting out nothing but positive vibes - with son Conor excited about the start in particular. "The buzz before the start will be electric," he says, "and I simply cannot wait to be there!"

Also in contention from the island of Ireland will be Mike Murphy's JPK 9.60, Alchemiste; Desert Star, the Sun Fast 37 helmed by Ronan O'Siochru; Frank Doyle's Endgame (A 35 2.10); the CNB Brian 76 Lilla, piloted by Simon de Pietro; Liam Coyne's Round Britain & Ireland-winning First 36.7 Lula Belle; and Kilcullen Voyager, Enda O'Coineen's Open 60 that most recently took on Hugo Boss during Cork Harbour's SeaFest.

And from Northern Ireland, the standout is Alan Hannon's Katsu. Drawing crew from Scotland and more locally, with dozens of Fastnet Races between them, the Royal Ulster Yacht Club member aims to take his Reichel Pugh 45 to new heights.