THE historic 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race gets underway tomorrow (Saturday) with a record-breaking fleet for 2023, including some notable Isle of Wight entries among it.

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Starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron lines in Cowes at 1pm, the race route will take the 490-strong fleet on a 695-nautical mile route that will take them west to the southern tip of Ireland, around the famous Fastnet Rock lighthouse, doubling back, rounding the Scilly Isles and on to the finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.

Isle of Wight County Press: The start of the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race off Cowes. The start of the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race off Cowes. (Image: Carlo Borlenghi)

Around 50 sailors from the Isle of Wight will be among the 3,500 sailors from 32 countries taking part.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s biennial flagship event, which has run since 1925, will feature boats ranging in size, from 29ft to 105ft long, with the oldest yacht dating back to 1903. 

Several new boats have also been built to try to win the prestigious Fastnet Challenge Cup for the overall win.

Here's how you can follow the Rolex Fastnet Race

To follow the progress of the 50th biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, go to the Spectators section of the official website.

The majority of those taking part are amateur sailors, but this event gives them the opportunity to be in the same race as their sailing heroes — and many well-known record-breaking professional sailors.

At least eight boats from Isle of Wight are taking part in this year’s race.

The Island contingent notably includes Quarter Ton legend, Peter Morton.

It has been 50 years since Cowes-based Peter — racing with a predominantly Island-based crew this year in the FAST40+ Maxi 72, Notorious — competed in his first Fastnet, 30 years after he first won it and 20 years since he last won it!

Although better known for having breathed life back into the Quarter Ton class, campaigning a FAST40+ and more recently a 5.5mR, Morton grew up competing in the Admiral’s Cup. 

Isle of Wight County Press: A fastnet Race competitor rounds the famous Fastnet Rock off southern Ireland in 2021. A fastnet Race competitor rounds the famous Fastnet Rock off southern Ireland in 2021. (Image: Carlo Borlenghi)

He explains: “For me, 2023 is a big year. I did my first Fastnet in 1973, so it will be 50 years on from that. 

"I also won the Fastnet in 1993, 30 years ago, on Indulgence, and again in 2003 on Enigma. 

"So, 2023 also has a ‘three’ in it, so I'm hoping my luck continues. 

"Plus, I will be 70, so the stars are aligned."

Also competing will be Sam White on Mzungu! Sam is an airline pilot and Yarmouth RNLI crewman, while Cowes man Richard Palmer will be sailing his JPK 1010, Jangada, with his daughter Sophie.

Islander Bill Edgerton will be racing his custom vessel, Andrasta. Bill is a very eminent coach and has been very successful coaching and sailing in the Olympics and America’s Cup.

Also, James Gair, of Cowes, will be sailing his CM Farr60, Venomous; Bembridge sailor Bruce Huber will race his JND 39 Xanaboo; Jonathan Carter will be on Swan 36 Scherzo of Cowes; and Cowes sailor Cameron Davis will be racing his Farr 40, Espresso Martini Too.

The best vantage points for spectators will be The Parade in Cowes, and all along the Island's Western Solent coastline, especially on high ground looking down onto the Needles channel.