Rolex Fastnet Race
Records are being shattered for the Rolex Fastnet Race months before it is scheduled to begin – for the first time in its history, the 300 boat entry limit was reached in less than 24 hours. On Monday the 7th, eager competitors waited for the midday mark with registration information in hand – Henny Abbenhues’ First 42s7, Blondie, was the first boat to enter, only 7 seconds after entries opened. Nick Elliott, Racing Manager for the Royal Ocean Racing Club, has commented on the rush of entries, “We are delighted that the race is so popular and that the places have once again been taken up faster than ever before.” Previously, the 2011 race held the record with entry slots filled after 10 days.
RORC assures those who have not been as quick off the mark that they may still have a chance to compete. A waiting list can be joined (see below) and past experience shows that approximately 10- to 15-percent of the boats entered do not go on to compete in the race, creating openings as August approaches.
The 608-nautical mile race is a test of strategy and skill with crews encountering challenging tidal currents and changeable weather, and has been a fixture on the ocean racing circuit since 1925. Join the waiting list, read the FAQ, or visit the website to learn more about the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Click here to see photos of Rambler 100‘s capsize in the 2011 Fastnet Race.
