It is hard to believe that 40 years have past since the 1979 Fastnet Race. It was the 28th running of the race which has occurred roughly every 2 years since 1925. Of the 303 starters, only 86 finished. There were 194 retirements and 24 abandonments (five of which were "lost believed sunk"). 15 sailors lost their lives.
For those new sailors, this is a race from the Cowes England, out across the Celtic Sea to Fastnet Rock off the tip of Ireland and then back to Plymouth England. 605 nm of Open Ocean.
During the race a Force 10 Gale erupted out of the Northern Atlantic and engulfed the fleet of boats racing across the Celtic Sea.
While the event was tragic in its impact on the lives of sailors, the investigation and reports provide lessons to boat makers and sailors as to what went wrong. It changed the way boats were made and improved ocean safety for sailors who listen to the stories of the survivors.
This current NovDec Cruising World magazine shares stories about the event.
There is an excellent BBC movie about one boat crews experience.
If you have ever wondered, Is my boat ready or am I ready to sail on the open ocean? The reports of the 1979 Fastnet should (in my opinion) be mandatory reading.
For those new sailors, this is a race from the Cowes England, out across the Celtic Sea to Fastnet Rock off the tip of Ireland and then back to Plymouth England. 605 nm of Open Ocean.
During the race a Force 10 Gale erupted out of the Northern Atlantic and engulfed the fleet of boats racing across the Celtic Sea.
While the event was tragic in its impact on the lives of sailors, the investigation and reports provide lessons to boat makers and sailors as to what went wrong. It changed the way boats were made and improved ocean safety for sailors who listen to the stories of the survivors.
This current NovDec Cruising World magazine shares stories about the event.
There is an excellent BBC movie about one boat crews experience.
If you have ever wondered, Is my boat ready or am I ready to sail on the open ocean? The reports of the 1979 Fastnet should (in my opinion) be mandatory reading.