Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
by Lia Ditton
With over 75 years since it's first run, the Fastnet race is undeniably a legendary biennial feature in the sailing calender. This year, with an impressive line-up of 308 boats spanning 7 classes, an all-star cast jostled for the start line - from the Maxi Trimaran Banque Populaire to the new MOD70s; the big fully-crewed numbers to the small short-handed multis.
Yet with an upwind beat to the Needles in a building west-southwesterly, the sequence of shots from after the gun capture a scene more reminiscent of a Route du Rhum than a RORC race, with six IMOCA 60s and an entire micro fleet of (19) Class 40s out to prove their mettle.
If there was any doubt as to the forecast for "record-breaking" conditions, an ominous looking cloud line loomed over the mainland. If we dare to recall the gale force conditions of historic Fastnet races in 1931, 1979 and the capsize of 'Drum' in 1985... who wouldn't be apprehensive.
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
On board HUGO BOSS before setting off for the start. Image copyright Christophe Launay/Sealaunay @Sealaunay
More images from Sealaunay are available here
Lia Ditton
Sealaunay
Alex Thomson Racing
Rolex Fastnet Race
