1979 Fastnet Memorial Service

Today's Service of Remembrance for the 1979 RORC Fastnet Race was a very moving occasion. Hundreds of people gathered at Holy Trinity Church in Cowes, including families of sailors lost thirty years ago.

Prayers and the Blessing were given by The Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, The Venerable Caroline Baston.

The Address was given by John Burke, Commodore, RORC 1994-1996 and Admiral, RORC 2001-2005. Fiona Wylie, Rear Commodore, RORC 1992-1994, who raced on Assent in 1979 and Andy Cassell who raced on Juggernaut gave the readings.

The Order of Service sums up the thoughts and prayers of the sailing community:

We all need and benefit from challenges. In that of ocean racing, we are fully exercised physically and mentally in the natural environment of the sea: our regular land-based occupations and their associated stress are left behind. Spiritually we gain to time to think is returned to us.

We know that the wonderful benefits of our sport do not come without risks. From time to time, no matter how thorough and careful our preparations, the sea and the weather prevail over human frailty. But the spirit of our community strengthens. We learn from every incident of loss so that benefit will flow through our procedures and enhance the lot of those now sailing, and those who will follow.

In our service today we will remember each person lost in the Fastnet Race in 1979. Their names since 1989, have been lovingly maintained on an engraved plaque outside this Church.

Beyond our service, and in races and voyages to come, we will remember them.