The Rolex Fastnet Race needs no introduction, the most famous and challenging of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's races. This biennial race attracts in the region of 250 yachts and often stretches yachts and crews to their limits.

Like no other race, the Rolex Fastnet Race attracts every type of sailor and boat from just about every sailing country in the world and is one of the few classic ocean races open to amateur crews; it is a race that every sea going person just has to compete in at least once.

The 608-mile course which simply states the route to be Cowes to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock takes the fleet westwards out of the Solent and along the south coats to Lands End. From there the fleet heads into the open ocean and to the southern coast of Ireland where all yachts have to pass around the Fastnet Rock. After rounding the rock it is a sprint back down the Irish Sea leaving Bishop Rock lighthouse on the South side of the Scilly Isles to port and then the final dash to the finish line in Plymouth where crews get the chance to catch up on much needed drinking time!!

Link to the RORC Fastnet Race web site

For our Fastnet 2009 campaign we will be sailing on board our Grand Soleil 45 . The yacht offers an unrivalled combination of sparkling sailing performance, beautiful lines and top build quality.

The cabin proportions are unusually roomy for such a fast yacht, with a traditional L- shaped galley, large navigation station and twin heads.

The construction uses a galvanised steel frame to take the loads of the keel, mast base and rigging creating a very stiff and low centre of gravity feel

She will be equipped with full set of offshore racing sails manufacture by Northsails

The IRC rating is very competitive at 1.074. This new model is already finding success, the first notable being victory at Spi Ouest - doubtless with many more to follow.

Details of our Grand Soleil 45

The crew of nine will include a professional Skipper and First Mate both of whom are race experienced, commercially endorsed Yachtmasters, the Skipper having completed many offshore races, including a Fastnet campaign.

It is the requirement of the RORC that the yacht/skipper/crew must complete 300 miles in offshore races as a team in the 12 months before the race.

·         Team members must undergo a Sea Survival / ISAF Survival courses.

·         Two crew to have first aid certificates.

It is our view that all the crew should have the benefit of first aid and ISAF Offshore Race Crew courses and therefore our Fastnet package includes:

·         Two training weekends

·         Four RORC qualification races

·         Sea Survival Course / ISAF Offshore Racing Crew Course

The ISAF Offshore Racing Crew Course was developed from the lesson learnt following the 1998 Sydney Hobart Race and includes such subjects as damage control, fire, heavy weather sailing, storm sails and communications:

The cost for the full programme is £2,850 per crew member

Included in the price is:

·         All boat costs including mooring, gas and diesel fees

·         Race entry fees

·         Sea Survival & ISAF Survival courses

·         All food eaten on-board

·         Rolex Fastnet 2009 Crew kit

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Contact Details:  Info@Reach4thewind.co.uk

Links:  Home - RYA Training - Skipper Charter - Share-a-Yacht - Training Packages  - Sun Odyssey 35 - Grand Soleil 45 - Racing -  Antigua - Fastnet - King's Cup - Corporate Charter - Bareboat Charter - Overseas Charter - Prices - Contact Details - Where to Find us - Site Index

  Telephone: Keith Harding on +44 (0) 7831 431197 or  David Stanton on +44 (0) 7785 952434

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