JOIN A RACE CREW
The Fastnet Race has been an established fixture on the offshore racing circuit since 1926 and is among the top 3 offshore races in the world. The race attracts around 300 of the world’s best racing yachts. This is your chance to compete in this famous race and complete a full Fastnet Campaign.
As we believe in teamwork for a challenging race such as this, we have developed a campaign which includes a 2 practical training weekends, 1 theorectical training weekend, 3 qualifying RORC races and the Fastnet race including the return trip from Plymouth to Hamble.
For the Rolex Fastnet Race, the fleet starts off from the renowned Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, races out the Solent, along the South Coast of England, before crossing the often tempestuous Celtic Sea to round the Fastnet Rock off the South Western tip of Ireland. The fleet then returns on a reciprocal course to the finish off Plymouth. The race should take 5 to 6 days. This 607-mile race is a test of strategy and skill with challenging tidal currents and changeable weather. Intense and highly competitive, it is the ultimate offshore race combining tactics, decision making, strong teamwork and little sleep.
Your Fastnet Race 2017
The focus of our Fastnet campaign is on teamwork, race training, safety, fun and of course some unforgettable racing. The schedule is to be confirmed once RORC confirm the race dates:
February
Shorebased training weekend – ISAF, Sea Survival & 1st Aid 10th – 12th February (please note accommodation and food is not included for the shorebased weekend)
April
Practical training weekend 7th – 9th April
May
RORC qualifying race 1 – Myth of Malham Race 26th – 29th May
June
RORC qualifying race 2 – Morgan Cup Race 9th – 11th June
June
Practical training weekend 23rd – 25th June
July
RORC qualifying race 3 – Cowes-Dinard-St Malo 6th – 10th July
6th August
Rolex Fastnet Race 2017
Training Weekends
We have scheduled the training weekends so you can learn to work as a team on the boat, get to know the boat and practice racing manoeuvres (tacking, gibing, spinnaker work, reefing) as well as safety manoeuvres.
RORC Qualifying Races
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. All qualifying races are scheduled in weekends in order to limit the time you need to take off.
Another qualifying requirement is that over 30% of the crew has a Sea Survival, valid 1st Aid and ISAF Offshore Safety certificate. We recommend that all of our crew attend the shorebased training weekend.
Cost – £3999
What’s included…and what’s not
Our Fastnet Race campaign includes:
– 3 training weekends, 3 RORC races, the Fastnet Race and the return trip with our expert skipper
– Use of the boat and all her sails and equipment during all of the practical campaign events
– Accommodation onboard the boat during all of the practical campaign events
– All race entry fees and boat costs (fuel, berthing, electricity, boat race insurance)
– Food, water and soft drinks while on the boat
It does not include:
– Meals and drinks ashore / in port
– Personal insurance
– Accommodation & food on the shorebased training weekend
– Transport to and from Hamble (or Plymouth if you would decide to leave us there – please advise us in advance!)
We would love to welcome you on board for our 2017 Fastnet campaign!