RORC Fastnet Race 2011

Date: 14th - 19th August 2011
Location: Cowes - Fastnet Rock - Plymouth

The Fastnet Race is run in alternate years. It is the most famous offshore yacht race in the world, first run in 1925, when 7 yachts came to the start line off Ryde IOW to race to the Fastnet Rock off Ireland and back to Plymouth.

The Rolex Fastnet Race (approx 608 miles)

Start: Sunday 14th August off RYS, Cowes, IOW
First warning signal: 1150
Course: Cowes – Fastnet Rock – Plymouth
Finish: Plymouth
Distance: 608 miles

The Fastnet Race is run in alternate years. It is the most famous offshore yacht race in the world, first run in 1925, when 7 yachts came to the start line off Ryde IOW to race to the Fastnet Rock off Ireland and back to Plymouth.

The modern race, over a course of 608 miles, starts at Cowes and attracts over 300 entries. The safety requirements of the Royal Ocean Racing Club races are set out on the RORC website, Bare Knuckles Racing go beyond those requirements by putting all crew members through a full course of training in racing skills, first aid and sea survival, plus at least two qualifying offshore yacht races across the English Channel.

Having already gained a credible racing pedigree Bare Knuckles finished 4th in class and 16th overall in the 2003 Fastnet Race. Join us for the race of your life and gain over 1600 sea miles.

The race starts on Sunday 14th August, the day after Cowes Regatta ends. We expect to finish by Thursday or Friday in Plymouth.

Training weekend

Saturday Inshore race training: - Plymouth Sound April tbc (approx 20 miles)

Saturday / Sunday Offshore race training: - Plymouth – Falmouth/Dartmouth April tbc (approx 80 miles)

Race Training take place aboard our Prima 38 Bare Knuckles that is fully equipped for offshore racing and can offer experience in class as well as handicap racing.

The racing crew when offering their services to a race boat will be asked which position they play, we aim to rotate novice crew in the different positions giving everyone a chance to decide which role they enjoy most or can give of their best. The more experienced crew can hone their skills to the position in which they wish to excel.

Theory time put aside to the preparation before a race, paperwork, documentation, rules and tactics. All of which gives a better understanding of what is required by the individuals.

A fully crewed Prima 38 has ten positions, from aft they are:

Helmsman
Mainsheet trimmer
Tactics / Crew Boss
Sheet trimmer
Sheet grinder
Pit
Navigation
Spinnaker handler
Mastman
Foredeck

During crew training, there will be two experienced instructors aboard to facilitate learning.
Our aim is to demonstrate then talk through each manoeuvre allowing crew members to practice, move positions then practice again.

Topics to be covered will include sail trim, choice of sails, management of crew and best course sailed.
Before each race there will be a briefing on the expected conditions, starting area, course if it is known, competition and expectations of the crew.

On return to berth at the end of the race there will be a debriefing on the outcome of the race, tactics, where improvements could be made and time for general discussion.

Qualifying races

Plymouth - St Peter Port Race 20th – 22nd May (approx 180 miles)

Royal Naval Sailing Association annual cross channel race starting inside Plymouth Sound and finishing off the breakwater at St Peter Port. Just over 85 miles the Plymouth – St Peter Port race is a good start for the 2011 offshore racing season. This race forms part of the Port of Plymouth Offshore series with a prize giving in November in Plymouth.

Plymouth - St Malo Race 2nd - 5th June (approx 260 miles)

Royal Western Yacht Club annual yacht race to St Malo has seen some very competitive racing in the past with over 30 entrants recorded. The race starts inside Plymouth Sound followed by a couple of buoys then onto St Malo with over 125 miles of racing. This race forms part of the Port of Plymouth Offshore series with a prize giving in November in Plymouth.

Plymouth - Roscoff Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Challenge 10th - 12th June (approx 200 miles)

On the 3rd June 2005, Dame Ellen MacArthur undertook the inaugural attempt on the
'Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy' onboard her trimaran, B&Q, in which she established her solo round-the-world record. She took her starting position alongside the Pont-Aven, off the Plymouth breakwater.

After a wet and rainy start at 13:30 in Plymouth (GBR), B&Q finished under blue skies and a WSW wind of 20 knots in Roscoff (FRA) at 20:00:25 BST on 3rd June 2005 establish a new crewed Plymouth to Roscoff record for the Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy.
In setting a time of 6 hours, 20 minutes and 33 seconds for the Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy, it is hoped that this will be challenged in subsequent years by a number of skilled yachtsmen as well as yachtswomen.

Bare Knuckles shall be looking at setting a time for monohulls under 40 feet.

We aim to leave the start line off Penlee Point on Friday 10th June at 1800. The finish line will be just off Brittany Ferries Roscoff pier head. Once across the Channel we shall have some rest before heading back to Plymouth.

Cost per berth £2950.00 and will include the following:- (Payment plan options are available)

Race training
* April 2011 Plymouth Sound & West Country
* May 2011 Plymouth – St Peter Port Race
* June Plymouth – St Malo Race
* June Plymouth – Roscoff Offshore race training
* August 2011 The Fastnet Race Cowes – Fastnet Rock – Plymouth
o RYA/MCA Small Craft Basic Sea Survival
o RYA ISAF Offshore Safety Course
o Professional Skipper and Mate qualified to RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean & Yachtmaster Offshore
o Embroidered crew t-shirt and fleece.
o Embroidered Henri Lloyd Crew Race Jackets.
o All safety equipment.
o All food & drink while sailing.
o Race entry, mooring fees and fuel.