News 2013

51° 17.020'N 09° 41.040'W

The only laid mark on the 608 nautical mile course in the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is being sponsored for the 9^th race by Plymouth-based Pantaenius Yacht Insurance.

For the 3,500+ competitors entered in the record-breaking 340+ boat international fleet in the world's largest offshore yacht race this August, the experience of rounding the Teardrop of Ireland, as The Fastnet Rock off the southern tip of Ireland is affectionately known, is an experience to behold.

The Rolex Fastnet Race is fast approaching and to help you prepare for your race the RORC will be publishing monthly Newsletters packed full of information. These Newsletters will be emailed to competitors as well so keep an eye on your inbox!

Since 1925, the Royal Ocean Racing Club's iconic 608-mile race around the Fastnet Rock has captured the hearts and souls of millions of people. This August, The Rolex Fastnet Race will have the largest number of participants in its 89-year history. Over 350 yachts, and as many as 380 yachts, from five continents and over 22 different countries will be taking part.

The diversity of the yachts and participants is truly extraordinary. The maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 is the holder of the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation, sailing around the world in just over 45 days. Internet entrepreneur Niklas Zennström's 72' mini maxi Rán 2 is hoping to win the Rolex Fastnet Race for an unprecedented third time in a row. Plus the original winner of the first race in 1925, the Pilot Cutter Jolie Brise, celebrating her centenary, is also competing and this diversity is the reason why the Rolex Fastnet Race is so special.

RORC Increase Entries to Rolex Fastnet Race

Extra Capacity for Rolex Fastnet Race as Plymouth Yacht Haven selected as host port

RORC Increases number of entries to satisfy demand

With the entry limit of 300 filled within 24 hours, over 100 boats on the waiting list and entries from multihulls, IMOCA 60s and Class 40s still coming in, demand for places in this year's Rolex Fastnet Race have been greater than ever. To answer this unprecedented demand the RORC has decided to increase the number of places available for IRC rated boats by an extra 40 places, to 340. The addition of multihulls, IMOCAs, Class 40s and Mini Transats could easily bring the total fleet to 380 boats and to cope with this the club has decided to move the event to Plymouth Yacht Haven which has the capacity to supply the extra berthing that is needed.

Never have the words 'highly anticipated' applied so accurately as to the Rolex Fastnet Race. Today, at midday, the REMUS entry system went online with the 2013 RORC race season. What happened next is an astounding tribute to the status of the race, the passion of competitors and the efficiency of REMUS (RORC Entry Management System).

Between 12:00 and 12:01, 20 boats had entered with Blondie, Henny Abbenhues' First 42s7, the first to enter only 7 seconds after entries opened.

Within 10 minutes there were a total of 121 Rolex Fastnet Race entrants.

Now, at 16:30, this has crept steadily higher to the current list of 235 boats.

To place these numbers in context one must look back to 2011 when the limit of 300 boats was reached after 10 days of the entry system opening. This year it looks like the limit will be reached much earlier than in previous editions and the Royal Ocean Racing Club would encourage anybody considering a Fastnet campaign to get their entries in soon!

For more information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the Rolex Fastnet Race, please visit the websites.

At exactly 1200 GMT you will be able to enter all RORC races, including the eagerly awaited Rolex Fastnet Race, through the RORC Entry Management System.

If you have not yet read the 2013 RORC Notice of Race then it is available to view or download here.

The RORC Race Team will be there for you should you have difficulties or questions with your entries but please appreciate that we anticipate busy phone lines and inboxes. We recommend you check the Rolex Fastnet Race Guide for Entrants before you contact us.

We are looking forward to seeing who is the first to enter and will be updating the RORC Facebook page where we'd be delighted to receive your feedback and comments.

'Fastnet Veterans' are invited to share their experiences and provide helpful advice to the newcomers on our Facebook page.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club's blue riband event, the biennial 608-nautical mile Fastnet Race, will be supported by Swiss watchmaker Rolex for a further five editions, until 2021. The highly successful partnership stretches back to 2001.

"We are delighted with the continuation of our association with Rolex," said RORC Commodore Mike Greville. "Our relationship with Rolex is a true partnership and in the past 11 years, we have seen the Rolex Fastnet grow in international stature, strength and popularity. Together with Rolex, we look forward to further developing one of the toughest challenges in offshore yacht-racing for the benefit of the participants and spectators alike."

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) are delighted to announce a new partnership for the club in the form of the appointment of Henri-Lloyd as Official Clothing Supplier on a long term basis.

Henri Lloyd is widely regarded as a world leader in technical sailing and lifestyle apparel and have pioneered the development of fabrics, garment design and product development for nearly 50 years.

This partnership covers the production of RORC & event merchandise and branded sailing clothing for the 2012 Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup and the 2013 Rolex Fastnet Race.

"We are delighted to have the backing of the world's best producer of sailing clothing," said RORC Chief Executive, Eddie Warden Owen. "Henri Lloyd's no compromise approach to the production of foul weather gear is perfectly aligned to the requirements of our members who are all offshore sailors. The relationship will also benefit the large number of volunteers that support the RORC's racing programme."

RORC members will receive a range of privilege benefits on Henri Lloyd products and a specialist service in the production of branded team clothing for their crew.

Henri Lloyd's Joint CEO Paul Strzelecki comments: "We are very excited and proud to have the Henri Lloyd brand associated with one of the world's foremost clubs. The RORC reflects some of the same heritage qualities as Henri Lloyd and with its large membership of experienced offshore racers and calendar of events, is a great club to be associated with. We are especially excited to be the merchandise provider for the Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup and the Rolex Fastnet Race in 2013 and look forward to a long relationship with RORC, their members and events.

The next edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race will start on Sunday 11th August 2013.

Entries for the race will open in January 2013, if you have any queries about the race please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it