A guide for entrants - With previous Fastnet Experience

For those who are seasoned Rolex Fastnet Race Competitors, we have assembled a list of the main changes to the 2011 edition of the race. We assume that you are checking this with the intention of competing in the same boat and with a similar crew as in 2011 - so we are skipping through all the boat and crew eligibility here. But whether a "Veteran" of the race or not, you are - of course - still subject to all the criteria. Have a look at the "Complete Guide" if in doubt.

Important Dates and Entry Information

Summary of significant changes from 2011

50% fee

50% of the entry fee must be paid within 10 days of your entry. Failure to do so will result in your entry being cancelled.

Rating Deadline

All yachts must hold a valid rating/class certificate by Thursday 1st August 2013 12:00 hrs. Only non IRC yachts must submit a copy of their class certificate to the RORC.

REMUS and RCMS

All entries for the Rolex Fastnet Race must be entered via REMUS and all crew lists must be received via RCMS. Please see the guide for their use here. In exceptional circumstances and at the RORC's discretion, entries or crew lists may be accepted by alternative means.

Boat equipment - Cat 2 MOB Alarm

One of the main amendments in the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations is that from January 2012 boats racing in Category 2 races should be equipped with an EPFS (Electronic Position-Fixing System) capable of immediately recording a man overboard position from the helm station.

FAQ: How do I meet the requirement in OSR 4.28.3 for a man overboard alarm immediately accessible to a helmsman?

Boat equipment - possible amendments

There may be further amendments to ISAF Offshore Special Regulations for 2013 which will be published by the ISAF in due course and made available on the RORC website; this document will then be updated.

Entry Fees 2013

Summary of other requirements

Below is a list of other requirements that have not changed since 2011 but will have to be considered:

Crew Qualification

The basic requirements of the crew to qualify have not changed from 2011. A brief description follows; further information can be found in the Complete Guide:

• Minimum experience requirement of 300 miles of offshore racing completed by 50% of the crew (but not less than 2), including the Person in Charge, and within 12 months preceeding the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race
• At least 30% of the boat's crew (but not less than 2), including the Person in Charge, must have completed training to Section 6 of the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations since 1 January 2008
• Minimum of 1 member of the boat's crew must hold a in-date First Aid Certificate completed within the last five years.

Training

Please note that training certificates must be completed to Section 6 of the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations since 1 January 2008. More information on training can be found in the Complete Guide.

Boat Suitablity

The basic requirements of the boat's suitability have not changed from 2011. A brief description follows and further information can be found in the Complete Guide:

Help and Support

We understand that going through the entry procedures and meeting all requirements can seem a daunting task. However, undertaking a challenge such as the Rolex Fastnet Race requires a great deal of preparation - which takes some time and effort. With this in mind be sure to regularly check the Live Entry Status screen and try to work through all the items in good time. The earlier you invite your crew, the earlier you can see who has and who hasn't got Offshore Survival Training or First Aid. The earlier you send in your ISAF Offshore Special Regulations Checklist, the earlier you will receive feedback and advice should it be required. The earlier you think about your qualification, the more opportunity there is to meet the requirements - should you not manage to compete in one of your qualification races, for example.

We are here to help you

We are always just on the other end of the phone or an Email away if you have any questions. You can discuss with us the possibility of scheduling an inspection of your boat, you could talk through any queries on requirements regarding particulars of your boat, qualification plans or if you need help choosing the right training courses or boat equipment. And, of course, regarding any other topics that we have forgotten to explain in detail here.

Call the Race Team on +44 (0) 207 518 3131 | Email the Race Team on racing@rorc.org.uk