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Watch the start and follow the Rolex Fastnet Race 2013

by Peta Stuart-Hunt 10 Aug 2013 20:00 BST 11 August 2013

The biggest and best offshore racing yachts from around the world are making their final preparations for the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race, commencing from midday tomorrow, Sunday, 11th August. At present the tally for the Royal Ocean Racing Club's flagship event, the world's largest offshore yacht race, stands at a record breaking 346.

How to follow the race

The first of eight starts is scheduled for 1200 off the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line with the magnificent multihulls speeding away towards the Western Solent. The last start is scheduled for 1350 with the high performance yachts powering through the racing fleet.

On land

The best places to watch the start will be along Cowes Green and Egypt Esplanade. Spectators will also be able to listen to the live commentary on Fastnet Radio on the speakers along Cowes Parade and The Green with commentary from Simon Vigar and Dick Johnson. As the fleet funnels out of the Solent there will also be good fleet viewing from Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, and Hurst Castle on the mainland.

On water

Spectator boats can watch the start in a specially created zone between the shore and Gurnard Buoy.

On air

  • Fastnet TV For the first time in the history of the race, live TV coverage of the Rolex Fastnet start sequence will be broadcast from the RORC Fastnet web site, fastnet.rorc.org - commentary from Simon Vigar and Dick Johnson.
  • Fastnet Radio In addition to broadcasting live on 87.7fm on start day from 1145 with race commentary from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line and out on the water, Fastnet Radio will also be available on line at: fastnet.rorc.org

Online

  • Latest race news, blogs from the boats, pictures, video and much more at fastnet.rorc.org

Track the Fleet

Play the Game

  • Armchair enthusiasts can negotiate the course from the safety of their living room by playing the Virtual Fastnet Game. Choose your yacht name, plan your strategy and see how you fare against a fleet of thousands. Be warned: this game is very addictive! www.virtualregatta.com/index_fastnet2013.php

Social Media

Thousands of race fans as well as participating sailors chatting about the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Fastnet Rock at dawn - photo © Daniel Forster / Rolex
Fastnet Rock at dawn - photo © Daniel Forster / Rolex

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