The Fastnet Race

In very light winds a record 390 yachts gathered at the Cowes start line for what must have been one of the slowest starts ever to this 600 mile non stop race to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock out in the Irish sea.

The fleet comprising 30 foot cruisers to 100 foot monster racing machines left the start line at 12Noon with the winning crews not expected at the finish line in Plymouth until next Monday evening.

Filling the Solent on the way to the Needles the hundreds of sails were a spectacular sight and unlike most years the light winds meant spectators on land and afloat had more time to enjoy the racing before the fleet disappeared into the English Channel.