Considered to be a classic the Fastnet Race is a popular offshore yachting race. A British yachtsman Weston Martyr who had competed in the Bermudan races conceived the idea of the Fastnet Races. This biennial racing event covers a total distance of 608 nautical miles. It commences at Cowes in the Isle of Wright in England round the Fastnet rock on the southwest coast of Ireland and after crossing the southern part of the Isles of Scilly ends at Plymouth in England. The first Fastnet race in the year 1925 saw a total of seven boats competing. This time honoured tradition of battling the fiercest waves has stood the test of time and even though some rough incidents have marred its image it still continues to grow at a tremendous rate. In 1973 the International Offshore Rule was included in the rules of the Fastnet Races after which the various yachts that were competing began to seek sponsorship. The 1979 Fastnet race is covered in controversy and several books were penned down to capture the dramatic turn of events.

The Fastnet Race in 2007 was postponed by 25 hours due to the heavy gale force winds; this was a first in the history of the sport. The next day a total of 207 boats out of 271 had removed themselves from the race. Even though the weather conditions were extremely severe and could take a turn for the worse any time, Mike Slade on his Icap Leopard 3 braved the strong winds and shaved off almost 9 hours off the previous record and set a new record at 44 hours and 18 minutes. With such a dramatic history attached to it, the Fastnet Races have grown from merely a sport to an ultimate test of human endeavour and the capacity to prevail over daunting challenges. The entries for the Rolex Fastnet Race 2009 began on the 1st of January and were closed after the maximum capacity of 300 competitors was reached. About 70 entries are on the waiting list, they have a chance of competing only if the original members don’t turn up.

This year the entries range from a 30 foot yacht to a 100 foot one while the crew varies from being completely professional to some who are competing only for the adventure and thrill of conquering the 608 mile challenge. Scheduled to begin on the 9th of August at noon the competitors for the Rolex Fastnet Race are from across the globe including Australia, Honk Kong and Europe. The legendary Mike Slade and his 100 foot boat are all set to compete and probably conquer again this year. Due to the strict observation of rules all the yachts are screened rigorously and have to comply with all the requirements before they set off churning though the icy waters to glory.

The Rolex Fastnet Race is an ultimate test of endurance, courage and skill, all the important prerequisites of a true sportsman. Rolex endorses this tremendous ordeal that sheds light on man’s true character and brings forth the courage that transforms men into champions.