Rolex Fastnet Race 2009: The Start
Racesail aboard Arcsine, Cork Week 2006
The Rolex Fastnet Race kicked off from Cowes last Sunday and I was delighted to invited to spectate from Mark’s Westerly 29, Evelyn. We found a number of yachts preparing for the race at Shamrock Quay on Saturday morning, including Kathy Claydon’s Arcsine which, as I write, is leading IRC Class 2 across the Irish Sea! HOEOCA has an association with Arcsine having formed Cathy’s crew for Cork Week 2006 and for a number of JOG Races. It was great to have a brief chat with Cathy and wish her bon voyage.
It’s difficult to describe the atmosphere on the Solent on Sunday morning. There is a definite air of anticipation in the build up and for the crews participating in the race itself a real sense of trepidation, excitement and adventure. It must feel quite special to be taking part, I was quite envious.
Unusually, the yachts have to pass by the race committee launch with their orange storm sails set which adds to the drama. Gradually, more and more yachts appear to form a sea of sails dominated by the Open 6o’s and the Supermaxi’s masts. In the final minutes before the start cannon is fired from the Royal Yacht Squadron, the fleet stretch out right across the Solent trying to gain the best tactical advantage on the start line for the initial run down to Hurst Castle and the Needles. A big factor on Sunday was a strong spring tide, against the fleet for the first two hours.
At midday the OMOCA Open 60′s cracked off, spinnakers flying, mainsails humming and sheets straining on the winches, followed by three helecopters and an armada of press ribs kicking up quite a chop and spume. Next to go were the smallest yachts in IRC class 3 followed by waves of progressively larger yachts released at 20 minute intervals. Finally, at 2pm, the Supermaxi’s in class SZ had their turn. We were delighted to have a former Volvo 60 now named Pleomax pass very close by.
It really is a spectacular sight to see them take off and I did my best to capture the moment on camera despite the hazy conditions. Due respects to the Bekens and Tomlinsons of this world!
Pre-race check: storm sails set
The Open 60's take off
Akena, Hugo Boss and Safran get a tickle on!
ICAP Leopard and SZ class supermaxi's were released last
I was sat next to the photographer on board Evelyn when these pictures was taken. I can’t begin to tell you what it was like to sail with the open 60′s at the start of the race, but I loved it.
Mark, thanks for inviting me on board! View Evelyn here http://markhendy.com/2009/08/12/watching-the-start-of-the-fastnet-race/
Follow Racesail, Topperman and Soulsailor in the Virtual Rolex Fasnet Regatta http://www.virtualregatta.com/index_fastnet.php?langue=EN
Terrific photos of the Open 60′s, Richard. The 3rd photo is very dramatic. Easily matches Bekens quality. Really enjoyed this article. It sounds like you had a brilliant time.
Thanks Roan Star. Always enjoy a day on the water whether racing or cruising
Wow! Thanks for this. So the rules require that everyone have an orange storm sail(s) and that you show them to the judges prior to the start? Wow again.
Gosh, you’re up early!