One of the most prestigious offshore sailing races in the south of England began on 16 August. The regatta, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. The route winds through Cape Fastnet in the south of Ireland to Plymouth. It is 608 nautical miles long.
«The Rolex Fastnet Race fleet will consist of 4,000» sailors, ranging from elite athletes and award-winning sailors to novice sailors.
The almost total lack of wind on the first day of the race was a disappointment to the competitors. Therefore, the starts were somewhat slow, especially for multihull catamarans, the trimaran Dona Bertarelli & Jan Guichard Spindrift 2 and the impressive 80 meter Prince de Bretagne.
Following the multihulls the lighter boats have started. Among the most significant in this «» weight category are «Americans» Comanche Jim Clark and Rambler George Davids, and «British» Leopard Mike Slade's team.
A large number of fans were attracted by a purely female local crew, called «Fastnet Divas».
Eddie Worden-Owen, head of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, commented: «Every self-respecting yachtsman dreams of competing in our events. This is a kind of Everest for sailors».
