The Rolex Fastnet Race 2021 starts this Sunday
The Rolex Fastnet Race 2021, the World’s biggest offshore Race, starts on Sunday 8th August off Cowes.
Fastnet 2015 start © Kurt Arrigo/Rolex
This 'right of passage for so many sailors', a 695nm race from Cowes to the Fastnet Rock and for the first time in its history, this 49th edition of the Race will finish in Cherbourg, France rather than Plymouth. In 2021, Rolex celebrates twenty years as partner of this legendary race and its organizers Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).
Race Director, Chris Stone comments, “The COVID restrictions relaxing in the UK comes as a great relief, even so close to start day. It will definitely make the race more enjoyable for the crews – overseas crews can now stop in Cowes just before the start and we are expecting a greater portion of the fleet can enjoy the festivities in Cherbourg, which is a key part of this event.”
Cherbourg - © JM Enault
Over 350 yachts are entered, the vast majority competing in the IRC fleet, from top international grand prix racers to family crews and sailing schools. Though International grand prix racers are low in numbers this year due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, the 2021 Fleet is full of superlatives…
Rambler 88 - © Carlo Borlenghi/Rolex
The new phenomenal ClubSwan 125 Skorpios, a 140ft offshore minimalistic carbon record chaser and the largest ever entrant of the Fastnet, will be on the start line, as will George David’s Rambler 88 – monohull Line honours winner of the last two Fastnet Races. This is Rambler and her crew’s first race since the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2019.
The 2021 fleet will be joined by some historically significant yachts: Eric Tabarly’s Whitbread Round the World Race maxi and 1976 OSTAR winner Pen Duick VI, skippered by his daughter Marie.
A record number of yachts will be competing in the two-handed IRC, and three of the fastest offshore boats in the world, the 32 x 23m Ultime Trimarans are entered who have the potential to ‘fly’ round the new elongated course in less than a day!
They will be no doubt followed closely by the MOCRA Class, (Multihull Offshore Cruising and Racing Association) ranging from the shortest boat in the fleet, Tim Whittle’s 30ft T3 Trifoiler L’Albatross, to Adrian Keller’s 84ft Nigel Irens designed Catamaran Allegra and two MOD70’s grand prix trimarans, American Jason Carroll’s Argo and from Italy Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati, both with upgraded foil packages.
Thirteen 60ft IMOCAs from last winter’s Vendée Globe, many fitted with foils that make them ‘fly’ are taking part. They include the 2020-21 Vendée Globe winner Yannick Bestaven on Maître CoQ, as well as Charlie Dalin’s Apivia, and two of Britain’s top offshore sailors, Alex Thomson onboard HUGO BOSS and Sam Davies on Initiatives Coeur.
Sam Davies © Initiatives-Couer image
The line-up in the Class40s is giant with 37 boats, a highly international fleet with eight nations represented from afar afield as Japan and the USA, surprising due to the global challenges with the pandemic.
As one participant commented,“The Fastnet is always difficult to do well in just because there is such a range of boats and there are so many good boats. There is a reason that it is the premier competition it is…"
For information on how to follow and watch The Rolex Fastnet Race, click here.
Competitors are in for a brisk ride forecasts weather guru Chriss Tibbs, with 23-28 knot southwesterly headwinds through the first 24 hours, with conditions due to ease on Monday to 13-18 knots as yachts move west. A depression and front are due to pass through Tuesday 10th, with the wind backing into the south on Monday evening providing a fast reach to the Fastnet Rock for smaller yachts.
We wish all yachts and competitors fair winds and safe sailing...
DETAILS for COMPETITORS on COVID RULES
- Those who are double vaccinated entering the UK from France will no longer have to quarantine. Latest regulations and requirements can be found here on the UK government website.
- British participants wishing to enter France at the finish must have their passport, and prior to the start of the race should download their proof of vaccination (from the NHS app) and print out, complete and sign the following declaration found here.
For further information, contact:
RORC COWES CLUBHOUSE
The Parade, Cowes Isle of Wight, PO31 7QU
Tel: +44 1983 293 581
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rolexfastnetrace.com/en
