First Class Start to the Fastnet Race 2025

The Fastnet Race got off to a splendid start Saturday gone with 9 start sequences to enjoy. Mostly sunny with a few clouds and a modest crowd on the Cowes foreshore.

IRC 1 Start

2 boat for watch in this years Fastnet Race

The most important start was of course IRC 1 at 1220 as this had both First Class Sailing entries, Challenger 4 and Espresso Martini 2, involved. 73 boats where all vying for the perfect starting spot or clear air with Espresso Martini 2, skippered by Cameron Davis, well in the throng and getting a decent start. I’m sure there may have been a few raised heartbeats aboard, but they got away cleanly.

Challenger 4, Skippered by John Farndell, took a more conservative approach knowing his yacht was double the size and 10 times heavier than the majority of the class. It is no small feet keeping a yacht of this size in check with so many smaller and more manoeuvrable yachts in close proximity. Great work by John and team. This said they still got away promptly and when compared with the other yachts of this type in the class looked like they were first away. Hopefully statement of how team Challenger 4 plan to carry on!

The crews contended with a light to moderate beat out of the Solent and will now be settling into their routines and watch patterns. A much kinder baptism than the last two Fastnet Races but never-the-less it will be those early hours of Sunday morning before sleeping patterns adapt that will be the first significant test of our crews in this marathon Race!

Keep an eye on these blogs for updates as to how the race progresses and for information on the 2027 Fastnet Race have a look at the page on this link.

Posted by: First Class Sailing