And They're Off! Fastnet Fleet Tackles Zephyr Breeze at Start of 46th Race

16th August 2015

Oman Sail's MOD70 Musandam-Oman Sail crept over the start line of the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race as light winds slammed the brakes on the biggest and fastest racing fleet ever to take part in the event.

Today saw the start of the 46th Fastnet Race on the 90th Anniversary of the first race in 1925.

The forecast for two days of relentless soft breeze prompted skippers to revise their race strategies and while Musandam-Oman Sail's Sidney Gavignet was still focussed on doing well, his crew were fully prepared for a test of patience and tactical skills, he said as they set off from Cowes on the 600 nautical mile race to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock.

"This is a famous race and the most important one of the year for us but the wind is very light so it will not be easy to repeat our success two years ago and win our class on corrected time," said Gavignet.

"The wind will only pick up as we get to the finish which means all the small boats behind will catch up but our aim is to work well together, stay calm and enjoy it because then we will do a nice job.

"Being very much focussed on learning and training on board Musandam-Oman Sail, it is more important for us to communicate and work well together, much more important than the result. If we have this approach rather than concentrate on the ranking we will do better."

Fahad Al Hasni, one of three Omanis on board along with Yassir Al Rahbi and Sami Al Shukaili had studied the conditions ahead of racing this morning.

"The conditions are tricky because there is no wind so we will stick to the shore to get some land breeze but it will not be easy because the current is against us so each time we move forward, we will be pushed back. It is very important for us to do well because it is an international race and we are flying the flag for Oman," he said.

Racing against three other trimarans and Spindrift, the world's fastest multihull added extra motivation for the seven strong Musandam-Oman Sail crew that also included Spanish sailor Alex Pella and Irish offshore veteran Damian Foxall.

"This is the 90th edition of the Fastnet Race and we are back as previous class winners which adds to our sense of anticipation," said Foxall.

"We have some competition this year which is great – two other MOD70s, Prince de Bretagne and Spindrift. The light winds mean it will take two days to get to the rock which will make it tricky but it is fantastic to be here and amazing to see such a big fleet.

"We want to be scratch boat and beat the rest of the multihull fleet but in these light winds, the reality is anyone can win."

Musandam-Oman Sail set off at 12:00 with the rest of the 370-strong fleet on their heels. The expected ETA in Plymouth for the Sultanate of Oman's flagship as of this morning is Wednesday.

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