Skippers Log: The final sprint of the 2015 Fastnet Race

2,553 views  |   August 27th, 2015 

Fastnet Rock

Approaching the Fastnet Rock

Here is the tale of Challenger 2’s final leg and how they held onto their lead over Challenger 3 and 4 in the 2015 Fastnet Race from skipper Ricky Chalmers.

We won the race to be the first of the losers.

But first there is a long hard fought battle to narrate…

Other Challengers hot on our tail

We rounded the Scilly Isle TSS with Challengers 4 and 3 snapping at our heels. Challenger 4 had now slid past Challenger 3 who had unfortunately blown the head off their stay sail and were now flying the smaller storm stay and were thus always a bit off the pace. We were going to have similar issues with our ripped Yankee 1.

Initially with a wind of 26 knots the number 2 was the sail of everyone’s choice, and we were matched with Challenger 4. We continued to rebuild our lead over the other two after the debacle at the rock. Then came the bear away at Lizard Point.

AIS track showing other 2 challengers close on heels

Challenger 4 polled out their Yankee 1 and the best we could do was to reach with our Genoa well above its rated maximum wind speed. It held well though, but they were now eating away our lead and by the time we go to the final bear away to the finish line they were less than two miles behind. There was no other options, we had to launch the kite and finish in a blaze of glory or go down fighting.

The Rolex Fastnet Trophy

The Rolex Fastnet Trophy – Maybe next year….

Spinnaker Finish was the only option

The former came to pass, and we crossed the line in near zero visibility under the spinnaker, a fitting end to a fine race.

Now all that remains is to tidy the boat, clean ourselves and party !

Ricky Chalmers

Skipper Challenger 2 – First of the losers…

If you would like to enjoy a similar thrill of racing on a Challenger yacht, we have some berths available sailing the Atlantic in the ARC Rally this November. Click the banner for more details…


Enter the ARC Rally

Posted by: First Class Sailing

Share:

Post a Comment