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Rolex Fastnet Race 2019: Approaching the Fastnet Rock

Rolex Fastnet Race 2019

From Challenger GBR301R we are excited to be approaching the Rock which we will pass just after dark with our octogenarian crewman Mr. Christopher Hope. Born in 1938 this is Chris’s first Fastnet and biggest challenge to date despite having recently crossed the Atlantic with Spartan as part of his exciting, challenge orientated life.

  • Rolex Fastnet Race Crew Sierra Schaffer and Christopher Hope
  • Rolex Fastnet crewman Mr. Christopher Hope

We have taken a very particular route in the past 24hrs to stay clear of the bulk of the swell allowing conditions in Challenger to be tolerable for the redoubtable Mr. Hope and the rest of the crew. As we count down to our rounding our eyes are pinned on the SW sky as strong weather is approaching and it is imperative that we get round and on our way to Plymouth as soon as possible.

  • mr. Christopher Hope Rolex Fastnet Race Crew 2019
  • mr. Christopher Hope Rolex Fastnet Race Crew 2019

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By Sail Race Crew

What drives those who compete in the Rolex Fastnet Race?

Why does it hold such a special place in the hearts of sailors all over the world?

On the face of it it’s just another boat race; it’s flags in the high street in Cowes, canon fire at Egypt Point, a busy afternoon on the water at Hurst Castle and an overnight drift on the tide in Lime Bay. Surely then Fastnet is just another sports event patronized by a few thousand, followed by a few hundred thousand leaving the sport’s remaining international audience oblivious.

Rolex Fastnet Race

But it’s not; and everyone reading this knows that somehow Rolex Fastnet Race has become much, much more than just a boat race.

Over it’s 94 year history Fastnet has touched hearts, has had more than it’s share of excitement, despair, sadness & joy and along the way become a citadel in the minds of sailors the world over- a place where the traditional ideals of the sport are preserved and demonstrated despite the march of modern design and technology.

For nearly a century an otherwise unremarkable rock spire eternally braced against the savagery of the Atlantic Ocean has become a beacon not only to commercial ships making their transatlantic landfall but to Corinthian sailors making the long pilgrimage out beyond the reach of their normal endeavours; for those who choose to sail themselves clear off the edge of their own expectations.

Fastnet therefore is synonymous with the concept of Tenacity in Pursuit, of pitting one’s self against elemental forces for an illusive glimpse of something beyond mere sporting success – Fastnet is a rare chance for meaningful personal triumph.

Rolex Fastnet Race Team 2019 Volvo 60 Challenger

Rolex Fastnet Race Crew 2019

This year many of the crew of Spartan’s Whitbread 60 ‘Challenger’ sail in the memory of Stuart Jones the skipper and owner of the Sydney 38 KURRANULLA who passed away this year too early to take the long beat out to Fastnet and reap the whooping, laughing smiling rewards of the long reach home.

We had no illusions coming into this about silverware or records: we hoped only to round Fastnet and that somehow, somewhere Stu would be smiling at the continuing joy of his laughing fellow rovers as they continue to sail for all the right reasons: for the challenge, for the camaraderie and for the sheer bloody fun of it.

Join the Rolex Fastnet Race in 2021

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By Sail Race Crew

Crossing the Atlantic is a tipping point: ARC 2019

Crossing the Atlantic is a tipping point

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has been the benchmark for those wishing to complete a transatlantic voyage since 1986. Thousands have successfully made the passage since then and in the process had a fantastic experience developing their sailing skills, racing or cruising down one of the world’s most famous trading routes and no doubt meeting new friends and crewmates along the way.

ARC crew 2018
ARC crew 2018

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, November 22nd – December 7th
Las Palmas to Saint Lucia

This is the classic Atlantic Crossing route – heading down the famous North Easterly Trade winds to the Caribbean

With training and the travel you arrange- this 2700Nm route will be all done and dusted in just 16 days.

ARC Route Map
ARC Route

Combination of racing and training

The goal is to provide you access to a unique combination of racing and training under the mentorship of a highly experienced sailor. We assist sailors of any skill level to realize their
potential by developing their seamanship, teambuilding and racing skills in a challenging but safe environment.

You become an active member of our crew, not just a passenger with the opportunity to assist in helming, sail trimming and all the normal duties of a crew member while having the opportunity to learn about weather routing, navigation, race tactics and shorthanded
sailing techniques.

Challenger Volvo 60 ARC 2018
Challenger Volvo 60 ARC 2018

The yacht: Volvo 60 Challenger

We will be using our Whitbread 60 ‘Challenger ‘ for this event which means that we will have plenty of opportunity to experience the higher speeds and quicker transit time associated with this kind of performance vessel. We ask all crew to bear in mind though that safety and not speed is our primary concern.
Find out more

Find out more

Your Skipper: Chris Stanmore-Major

Chris Stanmore-Major (CSM) is an experienced offshore sailor & sail training instructor.

  • As of 2019 CSM has sailed over 315,000 Nautical Miles (further than the distance to the moon).
  • Skippered 2 x 60ft+ Race Boats in Round the World Events (Clipper 09/10 & Velux 5 Oceans 10/11)
  • CSM is the 182nd person ever to sail Solo Around the World South of the 3 Stormy Capes.
  • Founder of Spartan Ocean Racing & Training

Take the challenge and get out on the water

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Crew Volvo 60 Challenger
Crew Volvo 60 Challenger
Booking Enquiry

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+31 85 301 56 36

Website Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

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Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019

Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019

Challenger’s last Caribbean Race this season was the Antigua Bermuda Race 2019. We had a quick start beating in 20 knots.

Antigua Bermuda Race 2019
Antigua Bermuda Race 2019

On day 3 we were still part of the chasing pack and were enjoying tight racing with only 18 miles of separation between the 5 of us behind leader Scallywag, a 100 ft yacht. On day 4 we broke our main halyard and had to wait for flatter seas to get it repaired by hoisting Chris up in the mast.

Antigua Bermuda Race 2019 Volvo 60 Challenger
Antigua Bermuda Race 2019 Volvo 60 Challenger

We carried on with one reef in the main and quickly racing mode was swopped over into a more cruising style realising we could not reach the podium anymore. We enjoyed a bucket shower on the aft deck and some delicious meals made by the crew.

Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019
Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019

After 1037 nm Bermuda welcomed us in gale force winds, heavy rain and a pitch black sky.

Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019
Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger 2019

We are still enjoying all the beautiful moments in a very active whats app group with all crew that joined the Antigua Bermuda Race 2019.

2019 Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger
2019 Antigua Bermuda Race Volvo 60 Challenger

Would you like to have some more information?

Yes Please!

Yacht Racing Caribbean

Website Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

Website Volvo 60 Challenger

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Sail Race Crew

By Sail Race Crew

Challenger’s RORC Caribbean 600 2019

The 11th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 2019 attracted 76 teams from 21 countries and crews from six continents. The highly diverse fleet were challenged by the tough conditions and captivated by the beauty of a stunning race course. The non-stop 600 mile race around 11 Caribbean islands is unique and very much on the bucket list of any offshore sailor.

Caribbean 600 Volvo 60 Challenger
Caribbean 600 Volvo 60 Challenger

Challenger’s Caribbean 600 crew

We believe that a hands-on experience, is the best experience out at sea. When you sail with us, you become an active member of our crew- not a passenger. You will assist with helming, sail trimming and all the normal duties of a crew member, while also having the opportunity to learn about weather routing, navigation, race tactics & short handed sailing techniques from a highly experienced skipper and mate.

Team Challenger Caribbean 600 2019
Team Challenger Caribbean 600 2019

First training day

The first day’s training was all about safety. The goal is always to make the event as safe as possible. ‘Safe’ has a few meanings. Number one, of course, we wanted to keep everybody safe from bodily harm whilst with us on the boat- this involves revealing all the hazards present on the boat- those that are simple to perceive and those that are somewhat less obvious. This included such simple things as correctly navigating the way up and down the companionway, right through to understanding how to launch and enter a liferaft.

Secondly ‘Safe’ means emotionally safe- that means everybody understands what is happening around him/her and people are not getting nervous or uncomfortable with the situation at any point. We wanted everybody to be part of what is happening on board the boat and that required a high level of information about everything that is happening around them. To make this happen we covered a lot of ground on Day 1.

  • Training onboard Challenger
    Training onboard Challenger
  • First training day Challenger
    First training day Challenger
  • First training day Challenger
    First training day Challenger

Second training day

Day two was about learning how to sail the boat. During training, we assumed nobody knew anything at all about sailing and started from there.
Challenger- although 15 years old- still represents the edge of what is possible in open ocean racing.

  • Second training day Challenger
    Second training day Challenger
  • Second training day Challenger
    Second training day Challenger
  • Second training day Challenger
    Second training day Challenger

Start Caribbean 600

Chris: “It was very busy and expensive around us at the start and I had to pirouette out of there – it was the best in the world fighting for inches and there we are perfectly positioned but without the skills to control the boat through what was about to happen next – I ducked down and around the majority of the multi-million dollar boats bucket list and we started deep in the second row approaching the line but in a big open space and with a happy crew 😍they were really buzzed by being right in the thick of it like that!!”

The 2019 RORC Caribbean 600 kicked off in spectacular conditions off the south coast of Antigua with the magnificent fleet starting the 600 mile non-stop offshore race in bright sunshine, full-on gusting tradewinds and two-metre high waves.

Life below deck

Life below decks is always an adventure. Thanks to Melodie Schaffer for the turning the picture on the right to make it right. It was definitely a high winds race.

  • Gearing up is tricky when you keep sliding back and forth on the navigator seat
    Gearing up is tricky when you keep sliding back and forth on the navigator seat
  • Get some sleep
    Get some sleep
  • Below deck adventure Caribbean 600
    Below deck adventure Have a look at the water bottles

Passing Guadaloupe

Chris: “Short seas and strong winds on the south side of Guadaloupe have left challenger’s crew a little tired and sore but the end is in sight with the Western point of the island now in sight and the promise of a reach downwind to the rounding mark off Barbuda this afternoon.  
Many of you will have seen our cut and run to the west side of Monserrat and wondered if I had lost my mind – I can only say the proof of the pudding is in the eating and we ended up gaining three places and about 8Nm. For now the standing order is ‘hold on!’ whilst Challenger hammers down yet another wall of warm Caribbean water but the faces are all still smiling despite the conditions so I will conclude that All’s Well on Challenger.”

Action shots during the race

  • Just after the start
    Just after the start
  • Foredeck work
    Foredeck work
  • Grinding work
    Grinding work
  • Challenger Caribbean 600
    Challenger Caribbean 600
  • Enjoying the ride
    Jasper is enjoying the ride
  • Elaine and Aidan
    Elaine and Aidan grinding together

Everybody gets the chance to helm

  • Sierra helming Caribbean 600
    Sierra
  • Neil helming Caribbean 600
    Neil
  • helming Caribbean 600
    Jasper

Heading to the finish

  • Chris helming Challenger to the finish
    Chris helming Challenger to the finish
  • Happy crew on Challenger
    Happy crew on Challenger
  • Challenger's crew finished the Caribbean 600
    Challenger’s crew finished the Caribbean 600

Fastest time for Challenger in the 600!

It took, 2 days, 22 hours and 42 minutes. We were in the division with all the professional crewed boats, so we can’t compare in results when we have just come together.

  • RORC Caribbean 600 (2019)/Arthur Daniel
  • Prizegiving RORC Caribbean 600 2019 Challenger
    RORC Caribbean 600 (2019)/Arthur Daniel

Wrap up RORC Caribbean 600 2019

RORC Caribbean 600 2020

Save the date – 12th RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on February 24, 2020.

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Regatta’s Volvo 60 Challenger

RORC Caribbean 600 St Maarten Heineken Regatta

Les Voiles de Saint Barth Antigua Sailing Week Antigua Bermuda Race Rolex Fastnet Race

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Transat Quebec Saint-Malo Newport Bermuda Race

Would you like to have some more information?

Yes Please!

info@sailracecrew.com

+31 85 301 56 36

Website Volvo 60 Challenger

Website RORC Caribbean 600

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By Sail Race Crew

Last spot Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018

Last spot Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018 onboard Monster Project

Amendment:

Volvo 70 Monster Project which was chartered by Yacht Club Sopot could not start in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

We regret to inform you that due to exceptional circumstances beyond the control of Yacht Club Sopot, related to the fact that the owner of the yacht Kosatka Monster Project acted culpably, such as failure to comply with the formalities related to the yacht on which the Yacht Club Sopot crew was supposed to take part in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018 regatta, this yacht was not allowed to take part in the regatta.

Therefore, Yacht Club Sopot has taken legal steps to secure its claims against the owner of the yacht. The Federal Court of Australia, at the request of Yacht Club Sopot, effectively secured the yacht against future claims. 

Despite these unexpected and unforeseen difficulties, Yacht Club Sopot members have a great willingness to take on new challenges in the near future, and the club’s plans for participation in the next regatta remain unchanged.

Sail Race Crew worked with Yacht Club Sopot to complete their team. This is a big disappointment for everybody involved. Read the Official Statement YCS dec 2018

This is your unique opportunity to compete in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018 this year. We have the privilege to sell the last spot onboard Volvo 70 Monster project. Keep on reading for more information.

Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018 onboard Volvo 70 Monster Project
Volvo 70 Monster Project

About Monster Project a Volvo 70

The yacht was designed and built by Humphreys Yacht Design shipyards for a Russian multimillionaire who took part in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/2009. The yacht is an innovative unit; it is very fast and characterized by high stiffness. This advanced boat made entirely of carbon fiber, which guarantees an unforgettable experience on the water.

The boat:

  • Length – 21.48 m
  • Keel – 4.59 m
  • Yacht weight – 13,800 kg
  • Top Speed – 30+
  • Width – 5.68 m
  • Keel weight – 4,900 kg
  • Sails area – total over 500m2

In the hands of a good crew it becomes a precise winning machine.

Video Monster Project Fastnet 2017

Safety rules

Qualification races are an indispensable part of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The crew and the yacht have to meet the appropriate safety requirements to be able to compete in the regatta:

  • The yacht and crew have to undergo a minimum 24-hour ocean voyage within 6 months before the start of the regatta.
  • Crew members have to undergo the Australian Sailing Safety and Sea Survival Course or its accepted equivalent (e.g. STCW)
  • A minimum of two crew members shall have a certificate confirming the first aid training course.
  • A minimum of two crew members have to be certified as the long-range radio operator.

The Yacht Club Sopot will organize all required courses in advance, and the Australian Sailing Safety and Sea Survival Course will be compulsory for all crew members.
A 24-hour qualifying race will be carried out at the coast of Australia on training days preceding the start of the regatta.

Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018

The Program for the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018

  • 17 December 2018 – Monday
    Organizational procedure on a yacht in Sydney
  • 18-24 December 2018 – Tuesday – Monday Training sessions in Sydney Bay and the ocean. 24-hour qualification race
  • 24 December 2018 – Monday Christmas Eve for the Crew
  • 25 December 2018 – Tuesday Day-off
  • 26-29/30 December 2018 – Wednesday – Saturday/Sunday Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
  • 31 December 2018 – Monday

The regatta ending ceremony – Hobart (optional, but welcome)
New Year’s Eve for the Crew – Hobart (optional, but welcome)

Services included in the price of participation:

  • Monster Project yacht charter between 17-31.12.2018 for training, qualifying and the main race
  • Start in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
  • Technical and tactical support for the yacht – seven professional sailors
  • Entry fee for the participation in the regatta
  • Mooring
  • Full board during the regatta and qualifying race
  • Lunch boxes during training
  • Australian Sailing Safety and Sea Survival Course or equivalent
  • A set of crew clothes (depending on the manufacturer’s offer. The minimum set will consist of: shorts, light storm jacket, boots, gloves, 10 technical shirts and a bag)
  • Video material for own use
  • Two team dinners including Christmas Eve dinner
  • Insurance

The crew consists of 7 professional sailors and 12 sailors in terms of pro-am formula.

The price does not include:

  • Air travel
  • Accommodation
  • Meals outside training, qualifying race and the main race
  • Ocean suits and shoes

Send an email if you are seriously interested and receive the participation fee.

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The Crew of Monster Project

Crew Volvo 70 Monster Project
Crew Volvo 70 Monster Project

 

The Monster Project VO70 yacht will start in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018 under the flag of the Yacht Club Sopot. Its team will create an explosive mixture of sports championship and sailing passion.

Just a few of the pro’s:

Zbigniew “Gutek” Gutkowski – captain of the crew, skipper, yacht and motorboat
captain, diver, radio operator. The first Polish participant of the Velux 5 Ocean Race (II
place) and Vendee Globe solo round the world race. Watch captain on the Warta
Polpharma catamaran during The Race in 2000.

Liz Wardley – She made her name in the Hobie Cat 16 class, where she won numerous titles and went on to become a skipper in the Sydney to Hobart Race at the age of just 19 years. Now, she is the acknowledged expert on the Volvo Ocean Class, having spent thousands of hours racing the boat. She has three Volvo Ocean Races under her belt, having sailed onboard Amer Sports Too in 2001-02 and Team SCA in 2014-15, and Turn the Tide on Plastic in 2017-18.

Paweł Górski – trimmer, an experienced sailor with a number of sports successes, he competed in Admiral’Cup and was also a member of Polska 1 crew.

Rafał Sawicki – trimmer, tactician, project manager who is responsible for
organizational matters and for the safe course of the project. The winner of medals in
the World Championship, European and Polish Championships in various classes and
competitions.

Piotr Dauksza – pitman, yacht and motorboat captain. For over 10,000 sea miles he was a skipper for single and multihull yachts. Besides, he has an experience as watch officer on STS captain Borchardt and Zawisza Czarny.

Roman Guerra – co-skipper, owner of the Monster Project yacht, with which he sailed
all the oceans of the world, taking part in the most important sea events.

The Race

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the most difficult and well-known sailing regattas. The participation in this competition is compared to the capture of Mount Everest. The host is the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in cooperation with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania.
The start takes place on the second day of Christmas in the Sydney Bay, and the finish line is in Hobart, Tasmania. The crew has to cover 630 sea miles, and the most difficult part is the famous Bass Strait, famous for its strong winds.
In the last 72 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of Australian and world yachting. No regular annual sailing event in the world attracts such great media interest as Sydney Harbor during the start of the race.

Official Race website

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Join the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018

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Yacht Racing in Australia

Sydney Hobart onboard Ocean Gem 2019

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