ROLEX FASTNET 2011

DRASTIC MEASURES TO INCREASE ROLEX FASTNET ENRTY

So many people have applied to enter the Rolex Fasnet Race that the Royal Ocean Racing Club is removing the ‘professionally sailed’ class from the 300 entry limit to increase the number of places available to IRC yachts. The IMOCA 60s, Class 40s, Volvo Ocean 70s Multihulls will race under their own class rules and be counted over and above the usual 300 entrant limit. The race was fully subscribed in only ten days with over 130 boats left on the waiting list. By removing non-IRC classes the limit will be raised by around 50 places.

RORC Commodore Andrew McIrvine said, 'We were staggered at the speed with which people signed up... We had to do something to satisfy the huge interest, and taking the non IRC yachts out of the total is a fair solution allowing more loyal RORC racers to get their boats into the race.'

RORC Chief Executive, Eddie Warden Owen said, 'We are delighted that the Volvo's and IMOCA's want to compete in the race and that the Class 40's are coming en-masse... It shows the popularity of the Rolex Fastnet that these professionally sailed boats want to join the race. However without this initiative, they would be taking valuable places away from less experienced offshore racers who view this race as a great personal challenge - their 'Everest' of sailing.'

The 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race starts in Cowes, Isle of Wight on Sunday 14 August.

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