Fastnet Race changes schedule

The 2019 edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race will start on Saturday August 3, which is two weeks earlier than the original published date.

Unusually, the race will now run the week before Lendy Cowes Week, whose dates remain unchanged, starting on Saturday August 10. This break with tradition, in consultation with Lendy Cowes Week, has been made for a number of reasons, including weather concerns over late August.

“We have been wrestling with this decision over the summer and particularly the relative timing with other events in Cowes and the Solent,” said RORC Commodore Steven Anderson.

“A late August start has weather implications for our big fleet and we anticipated running into the summer bank holiday would cause difficulty for many participants. Bringing the race forward by two weeks addresses these issues and allows us to encourage the fleet into Cowes in the pre-race days before the start.”

Commenting on the change of date, RORC Racing Manager Chris Stone said: “Bringing the race forward to August 3rd will give more time for those competitors who wish to race in Lendy Cowes Week. The prize giving in Plymouth will now be held on Thursday August 8th and this will allow competitors to make the journey back to the Solent in time to join the racing.”

A record-sized fleet of 362 boats started the 2017 race on August 6, 12 more than 2015, confirming the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race’s position as the world’s largest offshore yacht race.

Details: http://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/

Background: The 603nm Rolex Fastnet Race is organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and just 7 boats sailed in the first race in 1925. The race has been sponsored since 2001 by Rolex SA of Geneva and is legendary within the world of ocean racing. The 2019 race will be the 48th edition.

Source: RORC