The Fastnet Race has been held since 1925, when it attracted seven entries and was won by Jolie Brise, a converted pilot cutter that is still sailing today. The early races continued in the same vein - sporadic events with small numbers of competitors most of which were not purpose-built racers.
Jolie Brise - winner of the Fastnet in 1925
The race continued to grow until by the 70s over 300 boats came to the start line. The 1979 race hit the headlines when the fleet ran into an unforecast and very unusual storm. A combination of strong winds and a 90 degree windshift produced massive and unpredictable seas, which resulted in 15 yachts sinking. This led to a tightening of safety regulations and a 300 boat limit to entries. You can read more about the history of the Fastnet on the Royal Ocean Racing Club website.
The Mosika Alma trophy
Prior to the formation of CSORC, CSSA was involved in offshore racing and indeed entered the 1979 event. Skippered by Julian Forrester, Mosika Alma was knocked down and rolled on more than one occasion, but made it into Falmouth. Her windex was made into the Mosika Alma trophy, which CSORC awards for the best achievement in offshore racing each year (right).
Since then CSORC has entered many Fastnet races, either with our own boat or a boat chartered for the occasion. The race is, of course, held every two years.
You can read about earlier Fastnet races in a selection of articles 1993, 1995, 1997 (MAFF Bulletin), 1997 (CS Sailing) and 1999
The Fastnet race takes place in late summer biennially (every other year) in odd numbered years. Competitors need to complete 300 miles of qualifying races in the 12 months prior to the race itself and also to include training weekends, both ashore and on the water. If you are interested in taking part with CSORC then contact the crew bureau (link on contacts page) to express your interest and to get further details.
Copyright © Civil Service Offshore Racing Club