Join the waiting list for Rolex Fastnet Race 2009

7:22 PM Sat 21 Mar 2009 GMT

'CHIEFTAIN, Ger O’Rourke, across the finish line, corrected time winner - 2007 Rolex Fastnet' &copy Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

With 300 yachts already registered for the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race, the Royal Ocean Racing Club has taken the unprecedented step of closing the entry list some three months ahead of the date set in the Notice of Race.

Eddie Warden Owen, RORC Chief Executive summed up the Club's feelings: 'Naturally, we are delighted at the level of interest shown in race once again. The Rolex Fastnet is one of our flagship events and reaching the entry limit so early is wonderful news for the RORC and for the sport of offshore yacht racing, especially in these testing times'.

The Rolex Fastnet is a challenging 608 nautical-mile offshore race. All yachts registered have to undergo a rigorous qualification process to comply with the entry requirements before being allocated a confirmed place in the race.

The entry criteria are in place to ensure that crews are suitably prepared for all conditions.

Super Zero class winner Rambler (USA), George David. 2007 Rolex Fastnet race - &copy Rolex-Carlo Borlenghi

All is not lost for those interested who have missed the cut, since the RORC has started a waiting list.

Prospective competitors who have not already entered the Rolex Fastnet Race should register themselves and their boats online at remus.rorc.organd then email fastnet@rorc.org.ukconfirming their wish to be added to the waiting list; emails should include the boat name and sail number in the subject field of the email.

And those on the waiting list in search of encouragement that the wait may not be in vain need look no further than Ger O'Rouke and Chieftain - the overall winner of the 2007 Rolex Fastnet. Chieftain was only confirmed as entered during the week leading up to the start.

by Rolex Fastnet Media

Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos: