13th August 2023 will see the 2nd edition of this new offshore race from the Royal Western Yacht Club at Plymouth out to West Cork's Fastnet Rock.

The ‘Plymouth Fastnet 500 Race’ will start in Plymouth Sound, exit via the Western Entrance of Plymouth Sound, round the Fastnet o port, pass the Isles of Scilly to port and then finish between the Breakwater Lighthouse and the navigation buoy, ‘Queens Ground’ in Plymouth Sound.

Rear Commodore Oceanic, Adrian Gray said, “Following the inaugural race in 2021, we look forward to building the ‘500 as it is sure to be on many a yachtsman’s ‘to do’ list alongside other similar races. We will also run the race in 2024 to bridge a gap to the ‘Original Lonely Rock Centenary Race’, which will see the original course being used for the first time since that first race in 1925.”

The challenges of this race are much the same as the Original Lonely Rock Race. Set at around 500 miles long, this race has four challenging segments. Starting from Plymouth, the race will not have to deal with the tidal gates at Hurst Castle, Portland and Start Point, giving its competitors a chance to experience a shorter race around the Fastnet rock without potential for huge tidal gains and losses and without the logistical challenges of start and finish being in 2 different cities.

Entries will be open to MOCRA, IMOCA, Class40, Mini Transat, IRC, single-handed, 2-handed and fully crewed.

Early entry discount is available right up to 1st July and for the first 20 boats there is an additional incentive of a further 5% reduction. There are also offers available to all to join the RWYC and take advantage of the members discounts whilst enjoying reciprocal membership to many of the top sailing clubs around the world.