Tragedy remembered as Fastnet race kicks off

The Fastnet yacht race started today – 30 years since 15 people lost their lives in one of Britain and Ireland's worst modern maritime disasters.

This year’s competition kicked off at Cowes on the Isle of Wight with 300 yachts taking part in the 608-mile dash to the Fastnet Rock off the west Cork coast and then back to Plymouth.

The 2009 Rolex-sponsored race will be a sombre reminder of those who perished in 1979 when a

freak storm battered the fleet with raging seas.

The 15 lost their lives over three days as rescue services picked up 140 survivors hit by the storms in the bi-annual competition, but many yachts did not have radios – forcing a review of safety afterwards.

Today all competitors will be tracked by GPS.

A race spokeswoman said the weather forecast was for light winds. “It’s not going to be a fast race,” she said.

Those taking part include, record-breaking British solo yachtswoman Dee Caffari, plus other leading sailors Sam Davies and Alex Thomson.

Caffari, who is sailing with a crew in her boat Aviva, said: “It should be a good race. I’ve had such a busy week that the race seems to have come upon me before I could even realise it.

“It’s in moments like that you are so happy to have a team you trust. Aviva’s ready to go.

“We’re hoping to have some close tactical racing with the competition. Bring it on.”

The race record is held by Icap Leopard 3, who in 2007 set a time of 44 hours 18 mins, taking almost nine hours off the previous record set in 1999.

Earlier this week there was a memorial service held in Cowes to remember those who died in 1979. Families and survivors of the tragedy attended.