All competitors in the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race have now safely arrived in Plymouth, with the final boats finishing overnight and early this morning. This classic race has now come to a successful close as the remaining crews are left to swap stories on the dockside at Sutton Harbour before heading back to their home ports. Whether they return clutching a piece of silverware or not, all competitors in the 608nm race will take with them a sense of pride and achievement at completing the course, which this year was tactically challenging and long.
Many competitors were already talking about the next Rolex Fastnet Race and their intention to come back again in two years time. The race is such that it attracts professional sailors as well as first timers and corinthian teams. Devon-based Neil Matson and his 18 year old son Sam, who were racing in the two-handed division on their Dufour 34 Vela Fresca commented after finishing yesterday afternoon: "This was the first time we had competed in the Rolex Fastnet Race and the challenge of taking part in a renowned offshore race such as this, along with the opportunity of doing it with my son is my reason for taking part. It was an amazing experience."
23,197 people from around the world also took part by playing the Virtual Fastnet Race game and the winner was Frogeater who took 3 days 18 hrs 54 minutes to complete the course.
