The
Fastnet Race is the most famous and most challenging of the Royal Ocean Racing
Club Races and since the first Fastnet race in 1925, it has provided sailors
with the ultimate challenge of rounding the Fastnet rock. The 610 mile Fastnet
Race is a biennial event which attracts 250 of the world’s best racing yachts.
The
Fastnet course takes the fleet westwards out of the
Solent
and along the south coast to Lands End. From there, the fleet heads into the
open ocean and to the southern coast of
Ireland
where the boats have to round the Fastnet Rock. After rounding the rock it is a
sprint back down the Irish Sea leaving Bishop Rock lighthouse on the Southside
of the Scilly Isles to port then the final dash to the finish line in
Plymouth. The race should take 4 to 5 days.
To
qualify for this race, the skipper and half the crew need to have completed 300
miles of RORC offshore racing on
Northern Child
in the 13 months preceding the race. Half the crew will also need to attend an
ISAF course.
Northern Child
’s 2009 Fastnet Campaign will therefore consist of a training weekend and 2
RORC/JOG qualification
races and the Fastnet race itself. The emphasis on this campaign is on training,
learning, exhilarating races, teamwork, safety and fun!
Northern
Child
did a similar campaign in 2005 with 14 crew in total on board and here is some
feedback: Tina:
'Well I can't quite believe it is all over
after all the months of anticipation. But it is, and I am still flying
high. Thank you very much Magali for
your organisation, Julian for your inspiration and instruction and to you both
for creating a magnificent experience for me, you are the best.' Peewee: 'Another
thank you note for another great week on the good ship
Northern Child
. Special thanks to Julian for getting us safely around the Fastnet course for
the second time and coping with us day trippers. I'm sure we will get the hang
of it one day. Once again many thanks to you both for making many peoples lives
seem so much more worth while.'
John: 'Can I thank you for Fastnet
- I enjoyed the trip and the company. Julian, I am always amazed at your
professionalism and ability to pull a team together...' Lynn
and Kevin: 'Thank you again for all your hard
work and dedication over the last couple of months to make the Fastnet campaign
such a success. We have both had a fantastic time and look forward to seeing
Northern Child
again some time in the not to distant future.'
