Superyachts Taking Part in the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race

Known for its fame and size, the Fastnet Race is probably the largest of its type. In fact, it is so popular, that in 2013 the 340 positions were filled 24 minutes after opening.

Organisers have raised the number of places in 2015 to 350 due to increased demand, meaning more boats are to take to the waters this year. This is more than twice than the traditional number of contests for 600-mile races.

However, this was not the only change made this year, the restriction stopping boats over 100 ft from competing has also been lifted, allowing for superyachts and other larger ships to compete.

Let the Super Battle Commence

This year marks the 90th year of the Fastnet race, and the one we are all rooting for is Southampton’s Leopard 3, whose head office is in Shamrock Quay, just down from FCS.

As their website proclaims, Leopard 3 is a force to be reckoned with: “The sleek, powerful carbon fibre/nomex hull provides the platform for exceptional speed, the volume for remarkable accommodations and is a notable departure from the recent fleet of extremely narrow boats.”

And if that doesn’t speak volumes then how about this video….

The 603 mile race will take this years record-sized fleet, of approximately 350 boats, west down the south coast of England, up to the Fastnet Rock off the coast of Ireland and back to the finish in Plymouth.

The fleet has always been very diverse; from high profile sailing teams in state of the art racing yachts, to individual crews tackling waves for the pride and the ability to say they’ve done the race. Now, superyachts will be a new addition to the fleet.

This year, contestants will need to keep one eye out for the 131 ft trimaran, Spindrift 2, the world’s fastest race boat, skippered by Yann Guichard and Dona Bertarelli. Blink, and you might miss it!

The speed of these yachts will be fascinating to see, especially if you use the online tracking system. It will give you a very graphic idea of how quickly these fantastic ships travel over the first night.

First Class Super Team

Once again, First Class Sailing have a crew entered into the race and they will be aboard Challenger 2 and you’ll be able to follow their progress in this Fastnet blog. She’s not a superyacht but is definitely a super yacht to sail and could easily take you around the world.

The First Class Sailing Crew on Challenger 2

For the technically inclined she has a length of 72ft / 22m, mast height of 95ft / 29m, her beam is 18.2ft / 5.5m and draft: 10ft / 3m. it is never polite to talk about a lady’s weight but in this case Challenger 2 is a graceful 48 tonnes (gross).

This biannual race is part of every sailor’s bucket list and for testing yourself in these waters the Rolex Fastnet the best competition to enter.

As a spectator the departure of the yachts is a majestic sight and with these superyachts there will be even more reason to find a good vantage point. This blog gives you a good idea of where to have your picnic: The Best Places To Watch The 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race

If you would like to race with us this year then we still have places aboard our Challenger for the ARC Rally. Full details on the race across the atlantic are here: Arc Rally 2015

Posted by: First Class Sailing