What happened in the 1979 Fastnet Race?
The Daily Telegraph (15 August 1979, p. 1) described the situation, where “Royal Navy ships, RAF Nimrod jets, helicopters, lifeboats, a Dutch warship Hr MS. Overijssel and other craft picked up 125 yachtsmen whose boats had been caught in force 11 violent storm strength gusts midway between Land’s End and Fastnet”.
Who won the 1979 Fastnet Race?
Back in 1979, Ted Turner’s Tenacious won the Fastnet Race, with a corrected time of 3 days 8 hours. Over the last 30 years the average speed across the 605-mile Fastnet course has increased phenomenally: at the elite end, the fastest Ultime trimarans complete the course in just a third of Tenacious’s time.
What is the Fastnet Race record?
The monohull race record is 42hrs 39min, set by Ian Walker’s Volvo Open 70 Abu Dhabi (UAE) in 2011. The other two Volvo Open 70 participating in the 2011 Fastnet Race (Groupama 4 and Team Sanya) also broke the previous record, which had been set by ICAP Leopard in 2007.
How long does it take to complete the Fastnet?
The Rolex Fastnet Race is one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging Races yacht races. Since its establishment in 1925 the Fastnet Race has provided thousands of sailors with the ultimate challenge of rounding the Fastnet Rock. Racing hard for over 600 miles for five days gives this race its tough reputation.
How many died in the Fastnet disaster?
The race resulted in the deaths of 18 people, 15 competing yachtsmen, and three rescuers. A total of 86 yachts finished. There were 194 retirements and 24 abandoned yachts, including five that sank. An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 August 1979.
What was the name of the storm that hit the Fastnet Race?
BBC ON THIS DAY | 14 | 1979: Freak storm hits yacht race. Dozens of yachts have been lost and at least three people killed after a freak storm blew up in the Irish Sea during the Fastnet yacht race.
How many boats are in the Fastnet Race?
450 boats
In total 450 boats will compete, including entries in the Class 40, IMOCA 60, Volvo Ocean 65 and Multihull grand prix classes.
What category is the Fastnet Race?
Category 2
The Rolex Fastnet Race is organised in accordance with Category 2 of the World Sailing Special Regulations with RORC Prescriptions. Please view the Offshore Special Regulations and RORC Prescriptions online to see what you need to do to prepare your entry.
What does Fastnet mean?
Fastnet (netball), a variation of the rules of netball used primarily in the World Netball Series. Fastnet Race, one of the four or so most prestigious ocean races in competitive sailing.
How do you qualify for Fastnet?
To qualify for the Fastnet Race, the skipper and a minimum of 50% of the crew need to have completed no less than 300nm of offshore (RORC) racing. We like to have all our crew complete this programme so that we can develop the teamwork and focus on race strategies and manoeuvres.
How many boats are in Fastnet?
In total 450 boats will compete, including entries in the Class 40, IMOCA 60, Volvo Ocean 65 and Multihull grand prix classes. 5. The main trophy for overall winner of the Rolex Fastnet is called the Fastnet Challenge Cup.
How many died in 1979 Fastnet?
What happened to the Fastnet Race 1979?
0.1 Great Britain has always been involved with the sea, and the Fastnet Race is but a part of this tradition. In 1979the race took place in extreme conditions causing tragic loss of life and severe pressure on the race and rescue organisation.
Should the size limits for entrants to the Fastnet Race be changed?
We can find insufficient evidence to lead us to recommend any alteration in the size limits for entrants. YACHT CONSTRUCTION 00.4 With the exception of damage to steering gear, the damage sustained by the 1979 Fastnet Race fleet was consistent with what might be expected in the prevailing weather conditions.
How many people died in the Fastnet Race?
The Fastnet Race Memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Cowes, Isle of Wight lists 19 fatalities; the 15 above and Olivia Davidson, John Dix, Richard Pendred and Peter Pickering who were aboard Bucks Fizz, a yacht shadowing the fleet to view the race.
What is the Fastnet Race?
Introduction 0.1 Great Britain has always been involved with the sea, and the Fastnet Race is but a part of this tradition. In 1979the race took place in extreme conditions causing tragic loss of life and severe pressure on the race and rescue organisation.