The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), organisers of the Rolex Fastnet Race, announced in a press conference earlier today that the finish location for the 2021 and 2023 editions of the iconic race will move from Plymouth, UK to Cherbourg, France. The move will not only secure the continual development of this world famous race, but it will also allow the organisers to increase the yacht entry limit.
With the start still in Cowes, the course will now extend from 603nm to 695nm as yachts race from the Solent, around Fastnet Rock and then across the Channel to finish in Cherbourg.
The capacity of the event has been a growing issue over recent years with entries selling out in less than five minutes. The 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race had 388 yachts on the start line with a further 150 on the waiting list.
“The race has grown steadily over the past two decades and more and more people want to take part,” said RORC Commodore Steven Anderson. “We have had to limit entries in recent years because of berthing constraints, but Cherbourg will be able to take a larger number of entries and give more sailors the opportunity to compete in this very special race.”
The news is has been poorly received online by "Fastnet purists" claiming that the history of the race and it's course is important, however many others welcomed the innovation of the race committee.
Only time will tell if that this new partnership is good for this phenomenal yacht race. If you want to experience this new course for yourself, register your interest in joining the crew of a Volvo 70 here.
What are your thoughts on this major change? Leave a comment below.
