| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
The first Fastnet race, with seven entries, was won by Jolie Brise in 1925.
The race was part of the Admiral's Cup racing series from 1957 to 1999.
The International Offshore Rule (IOR) was introduced in 1973, and the yachts and crews began taking sponsorships.
Storms during the 1979 race resulted in the deaths of 17 competitors. This led to a major overhaul of the rules and required equipment for the competition.
The race drew attention outside the sport in 1985 when the maxi-yacht Drum capsized after her experimental keel sheared off. Pop star Simon Le Bon, co-owner and crew member of Drum, was trapped under the hull with five other crew members for twenty minutes, until being rescued by the British Navy.
The race is sponsored by RolexRolex is the brand of Swiss wristwatches and accessories renowed for their quality, as well as their cost. The watches have become status symbols of the wealthy. The company was founded by Hans Wilsdorf, a German businessman who registered the trademark R in 20042004 is a leap year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 2004 calendar), and has also been designated the: International Year of Rice International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition Elections are to be held in 73 co, and is organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club with the Royal Yacht SquadronThe Royal Yacht Squadron (Cowes Castle The Royal Yacht Squadron is considered by many people to be the world’s most prestigious yacht club located on the coast at Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. Member yachts are given the Suffix and the Royal Western Yacht Club , Plymouth.