Race against the sunset

2,700 sailors, including America's Cup winner Peter Birling on the 115-foot Nikata and Vendee Globe star Alex Thomson on the IMOCA 60 Hugo Boss, took part in the largest offshore Rolex Fastnet Race. First up in Plymouth was the Concise 10 trimaran, which tackled the line upwind all the way to the finish line in 42 hours and 55 minutes. Among the single-hulled Line Honours took the Rambler 88. "360 miles against the wind is hard and cold, but it's OK," said boat owner George David.