The Fastnet yacht race.
This biennial yacht race is an offshore race and can be run in extremely challenging conditions with a range of race complexities. The race is organised by Royal Ocean Racing Club in the United Kingdom. The race involves sailing from Cowes in the UK and around Fastnet Rock and back to Plymoth in the UK.
This is not a yacht race for beginners. It can be cold, windy to gale force and is a long race if you are cold and wet in heavy seas.
This yacht race is a pinnical world renouned race and sees the inclusion of a vast range of yachts including the very high end performance yachts that are able to handle the possible race conditions.
The race is unusaul as it tests the skills of the team and the yacht in both inshore and offshore conditions. Problems in the races past has seen advances in both yacht technology and safety equipment required now to take part in the race.
When:
Every second year in August
The Track:
The race track is 608 nautical miles (1,126 km). This race can be complex as it can be as much about navigation and tactics than straight boat speed. The race includes areas of tidal change, headlands and british summer weather. Generally it is expected that the race is uphill into the breeze to Fastnet rock before a run back. Historically since 1979, there has been a better than 75% chance of prodominent winds being from north west, west and south west.
Studies have shown that for the optimum route to Fastnet 75 per cent of the miles should be between six and 18 knots (at 10m), and only six per cent over 22 knots. The return leg is a fraction windier as the path is longer across the Celtic sea, with almost eight per cent of the miles over 22 knots. That being said, the race can include significantly higher winds and estimates of 25 knot winds do not include gusts that might be to 30 knotts. It is expected that winds are generally higher in the centre of the Celtic Sea than adjacent to the shore.
The race start is managed by the Royal Yacht Squadron and is off Cowes in the UK and in particular 50°45′34″N 1°18′1″W on the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight is located on the south coast of England. Between the Isle of Wight and the main land is the Solent which is effectively a channel. The channel leads south west to the Needles channel and then to the coast of southern England for a coatal section of racing along the English Channel. From there it is pretty much get to fastnet rock after getting around Land’s End in the UK and back to Plymouth as quick as you can. Well, not quite. There are a few sections that add significant complexity to the race. Statiscally Lyme bay also appears to be a light wind area but more notably the Isles of Scilly need to be considered.
Weather dependant you can choose to get around either side of the Isles of Scilly but there are specific exclusion zones in this area that are not to be sailed. These no go areas create additional manoeuvres and sail changers that slow the path compared to a longer distance path that has less obsticals. These decisions can have implications of 1-2nm and are weather dependant.
Once you have past the Isles of Scilly then it is across the Celtic Sea to Fastnet Rock 51°23′22″N 9°36′08″W off the southwest coast of Ireland. The rock is located near other rocks/bricks and although there is a clear 200m available, at night, in fog, rain and heavy conditions, this may appear tight. With yachts at the transom and likely to be heading up wind, there may be some pressure to get in and around close to the rock before heading back.
On the return leg, the course leaves the Isles of Scilly to port and still includes the exclusion areas. The approach and weather conditions will determine the most appropriate path. Consider an A3 or jib top. It should also be noted that this area will see the crews being most fatigued and less able to make fast changes which may result in mistakes. The race finishes at Plymouth 50°22′17″N 4°8′33″W. At the end you will find the winner with the Fastnet Challenge cup which appears aptly sized for a big thirst after a big race.
Sailing Site Seeing
Travelling Sailors should expect to see some spectular landmarks if it is your shift on deck including: The Needles, Portland Bill, Start Point, The Lizard, Land’s End, the Fastnet Rock, Bishop’s Rock off the Scillies and Plymouth breakwater.
History
A british sailor, Mr Weston Martyr initiated the race with a total on seven yachts starting the first race in 1925.
Some of the History of the race includes some dark times. In particular, 1979 Fastnet Race, which resulted in the death of fifteen yachtsmens and the death of three rescuers when the race was hit with a severe storm. It was estimated that 4000 people were involved in the rescue attempts and support. The rules were then updated to improve safety. Conditions resulted in five yachts sinking, and at least 75 boats rolling upside down.
