Fastnet Race 2023 Into More Normal Progress After Mayhem Of First Day's Gales

24th July 2023

Bryon Erhart's canting-keel Lucky (formerly Rambler 88) battered through to the mono-hull lead in the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race

Bryon Erhart's canting-keel Lucky (formerly Rambler 88) has battered through to the monohull lead in the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race Credit: Kurt Arrigo

Fastnet Race Day 3 0800 - Northerly winds are now set in on the Fastnet race area between Cornwall and southwest Ireland, while the underlying breeze still has a westerly emphasis in the English Channel between Lands End and the finish to the east at Cherbourg. Thus the 50th staging of what is now the 695-mile new-look Fastnet Race is beginning to have a more normal feel to it, even if - like each of its 49 predecessors - it has its own distinctive characteristics.

In effect, the fleet has three or even four distinctive groupings. The inclusion of multihulls - giant multihulls at that - has resulted in a leading section in which the first two finishers - the Ultim mega-trimarans Lezartigue and Banque Populaire - were already into Cherbourg yesterday (Sunday) evening before the night had fully set in.

Armel Le Cleac'h's, Ultim Banque Populaire at the Fastnet Rock Photo: Kurt Arrigo

COMPETITIVE IMOCA 60s

The presence of a serious fleet of the latest regularly-foiling IMOCA 60s changed perspectives at the head of the numerous mono-hull division. Yet though they dominated the on-water lead in the early stages, the sheer slug-on power of Bryon Erhart's canting-keel Lucky (formerly Rambler 88) battered through to the mono-hull lead ahead of the IMOCA Paprek Virbac, with Lucky leading round the Fastnet last (Sunday) night at 2300 hrs, a clear hour after Lazartigue had taken the overall finish line honours at Cherbourg.

While the greater offwind emphasis of the stages from the Fastnet to the finish might have been expected to see the IMOCAs getting back into the hunt, only the great Charlie Dalin with Macif has been able to break
through Lucky's lead, and at 07:00 hrs this morning, he was well out in the English Channel due south of Start Point, with 17.2 knots on the clock and 141 miles still to go to the finish, but now with Lucky eleven clear miles astern, although showing a speed burst of 21 knots.

SUNRISE III EMERGES

In what might be called the bulk of the "real fleet", yesterday's (Sunday's) conditions left little sensible option other than taking the eastern TSS-avoidance route directly north, close past Land's End, before being able to think of heading Fastnet-wards. This now looks to have been no bad thing, as it leaves the boats well placed for faster sailing with eased sheets, particularly if today's expected north-easterly element in the volatile wind pattern makes itself felt.

It was noted yesterday that defending overall champion Sunrise III, Tom Kneen's JPK 11.80, was beginning to emerge "almost without trace" from the bulk of the fleet in accustomed style, and that process has been continued through the night with Sunrise III now holding the key IRC1 overall lead from longtime incumbent, France's J/133 Pintia.

The start of the Rolex Fastnet Race 2023 on Saturday that saw a quarter of the fleet retire in strong winds that battered the 450-boat fleet. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

IRISH BOATS

Amongst boats in this largest size cohort, Ireland's hopes have taken a bit of a battering, but at least Mike O'Donnell's J/130 Darkwood (Royal Irish YC) at 23rd in IRC overall, Robert Rendell's Grand Soleil 44 Samatom (Howth YC) at 33rd, and Denis Murphy's Grand Soleil 40 Nieulargo (Royal Cork) at 63rd, are still very much in the race.

Other Irish contenders still in the hunt despite Saturday's Demolition Derby include Keith Millar's Mills 36 Prime Suspect from Kilmore Quay, currently weathering the northeast corner of the Lans End TSS and set to
free sheets for the Rock, while nearby is the 1977 overall winner, the Holland 39 Imp (George Radley, RCYC), both boats respectably placed at mid-class.

Belfast's Ewan Finlay is on board Phosphorus II competing in the Fastnet Race Photo: Kurt Arrigo

DECIDING ON WHICH LAND'S END TSS GAP TO TAKE

With the north to northeast winds set in for the time being, the boats now passing Lands End are increasingly going through the Middle Gap in the "nasty but necessary" TSS setup close east of the Isles of Scilly, and this may prove a quicker option, but for many smaller craft, it's a decision that won't have to be made for quite some time yet.

Irish Offshore Sailing of Dun Laoghare's veteran Sunfast 37 Desert Start - best Irish performer overall in 2021 - is still in the race, a credit to skipper Ronan O Siochru and his tyro crew, and they're currently (08:00 hrs Monday) past the Lizard making 5.6 knots for that middle gap.

MALUKI AT THE LIZARD

The most unusual entry of all, Australian sailing polymath Sean Langan's 1932-vintage 30ft gaff cutter Maluki with the legendary Gordon Maguire on the strength, is currently in the process of passing the Lizard and
still lie a consistent first in IRC4B.

But with finishers pouring into Cherbourg at an increasing pace all day, it will seem a very long race to Maluki as she continues to punch her way across the seas towards the Fastnet in the opposite direction, but not surprisingly, they have proven themselves a very tough and determined crew.

Published in Fastnet

Fastnet Race Live Tracker 2023

Track the progress of the 2023 Fastnet Yacht Race fleet on the live tracker above

The 50th edition of the 700-mile race organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club starts from Cowes, Isle of Wight, on Saturday, 22nd July.

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About The Author

WM Nixon

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William M Nixon has been writing about sailing in Ireland for many years in print and online, and his work has appeared internationally in magazines and books. His own experience ranges from club sailing to international offshore events, and he has cruised extensively under sail, often in his own boats which have ranged in size from an 11ft dinghy to a 35ft cruiser-racer. He has also been involved in the administration of several sailing organisations.

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RORC Fastnet Race

This race is both a blue riband international yachting fixture and a biennial offshore pilgrimage that attracts crews from all walks of life:- from aspiring sailors to professional crews; all ages and all professions. Some are racing for charity, others for a personal challenge.

For the world's top professional sailors, it is a 'must-do' race. For some, it will be their first-ever race, and for others, something they have competed in for over 50 years! The race attracts the most diverse fleet of yachts, from beautiful classic yachts to some of the fastest racing machines on the planet – and everything in between.

The testing course passes eight famous landmarks along the route: The Needles, Portland Bill, Start Point, the Lizard, Land’s End, the Fastnet Rock, Bishop’s Rock off the Scillies and Plymouth breakwater (now Cherbourg for 2021 and 2023). After the start in Cowes, the fleet heads westward down The Solent, before exiting into the English Channel at Hurst Castle. The finish for 2021 is in Cherbourg via the Fastnet Rock, off the southern tip of Ireland.

The leg across the Celtic Sea to (and from) the Fastnet Rock is known to be unpredictable and challenging. The competitors are exposed to fast-moving Atlantic weather systems and the fleet often encounter tough conditions

Flawless decision-making, determination and total commitment are the essential requirements. Crews have to manage and anticipate the changing tidal and meteorological conditions imposed by the complex course

The symbol of the race is the Fastnet Rock, located off the southern coast of Ireland. Also known as the Teardrop of Ireland, the Rock marks an evocative turning point in the challenging race

Once sailors reach the Fastnet Rock, they are well over halfway to the finish in Cherbourg.

Fastnet Race - FAQs

When is the next Fastnet Race?

The 49th edition of the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, UK on Sunday 8th August 2021.

What's new about the 2021 Fastnet Race?

The next two editions of the race in 2021 and 2023 will finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin at the head of the Normandy peninsula, France

What will the fleet size be for the 2021 Fastnet Race?

Over 300. A record fleet is once again anticipated for the world's largest offshore yacht race.

Who races in the Fastnet Race?

The international fleet attracts both enthusiastic amateur, the seasoned offshore racer, as well as out-and-out professionals from all corners of the world.

What types of boats compete in the Fastnet Race?

Boats of all shapes, sizes and age take part in this historic race, from 9m-34m (30-110ft) – and everything in between.

What is the multihull Fastnet Race record?

The Fastnet Race multihull course record is: 1 day 4 hours 2 minutes and 26 seconds (2019, Ultim Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Franck Cammas / Charles Caudrelier)

What is the monohull Fastnet Race record?

The Fastnet Race monohull course record is: 1 day, 18 hours, 39 minutes (2011, Volvo 70, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing).

Who won the 2019 Fastnet Race?

David and Peter Askew's American VO70 Wizard won the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race, claiming the Fastnet Challenge Cup for 1st in IRC Overall.

How long has Rolex sponsored the Fastnet Race?

Rolex SA has been a longstanding sponsor of the race since 2001.

When was the first Fastnet Race held?

The first race was in 1925 with 7 boats. The Royal Ocean Racing Club was set up as a result.

What boat was the winner of the first Fastnet Race?

The winner of the first Fastnet Race was the former pilot cutter Jolie Brise, a boat that is still sailing today.

Was there an Irish entry in the first Fastnet Race?

Cork sailor Henry P F Donegan (1870-1940), who gave his total support for the Fastnet Race from its inception in 1925 and competed in the inaugural race in his 43ft cutter Gull from Cork.

Has Ireland every won the Fastnet Race?

Ireland has won the Fastnet Race twice. In 1987 the Dubois 40 Irish Independent won the Fastnet Race overall for the first time and then in 2007 – all of twenty years after Irish Independent’s win – Ireland secured the overall win again this time thanks to Ger O’Rourke’s Cookson 50 Chieftain from the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland in Kilrush.

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At A Glance – Fastnet Race