Fastnet Record Attempt - What's the Point?

[Guest]

Fastnet Record Attempt - What\'s the Point?

I read that Steve Fossett and crew are to attempt the Fastnet course record to-day in the 120 foot cat Playstation.
A bit like a lone racehorse going round Aintree in July and the claiming the Grand National record?

 

[claymore]

Sir John Hunt - Everest 1953

Because it is there!!

 

[Guest]

Re: Sir John Hunt - Everest 1953

Sorry. Silly me, I hadn't realised that Mount Everest was a recognised race course in 1953

Surely it would mean more if Playstation tried for the record as part of a Fastnet Race - but then they would have to wait until next year. This way they miss all that argy-bargy on the start line and sticking to the race rules when competing with others. They have also been able to select the right weather, something not available to genuine Fastnet racers.

 

[Guest]

Re: Sir John Hunt - Everest 1953

Because there are few boats which playstation can properly race against, it seems reasonable for them to race against themselves and the clock. As you pointed out they can choose the date of departure to get the best weather, and this will help them to set the fastest time around the course. Racers in the Fastnet race have to go when they are told and are racing against each other instead of trying to set records. Playstation have recently broken a few other sailing records, I think there was a transatlantic one (NY to Lizard?) and also a cross channel record

 

[vyv_cox]

Because it is there.

This famous saying dates from a long time before John Hunt's Everest expedition. It was said by George Mallory, in 1922.

 

[pugwash]

Re: Fastnet Record Attempt - What\'s the Point?

Isn't it just a try-out for a RTW attempt later? When practically everything in the world has been discovered except the limits of human endurance, it's okay to challenge yourself with this kind of "mad" stuff. Jut as Forumula 1 racing has a spin-off on ordinary motoring (I'm talking technology, not boy racers) I'm sure Fosset's kind of sailing (and Robin K-J's, and Ellen's, and Blake's) does the same eventually for we cruising folk.

These racer types are admirably nuts -- we need 'em.

 

[Viking]

Re: Fastnet Record Attempt - What\'s the Point?

I agree whats the point?

I dont know (or care) that there was a 'record' for this 'course' there must be a Fastnet Race record. But as Playstation cant race in the Fastnet. So its B.S.

 

[claymore]

Mallory

Of Course - I didn't realise Mallory had said it first.
but I thought I once saw Hunt interviewed and him saying it there. Plagiarist!!
Regards
John

 

[claymore]

Re: Fastnet Record Attempt - What\'s the Point?

Oh I agree entirely. F1 motor racing benefits us everyday road users by developing technology - we now have side impact systems and sequential gearboxes are on their way.
Yacht racing too imparts knowledge, skills and abilities to humble cruising folk - for example - I informed Dear Heart that the VOR sailors were sleeping feet first in the southern ocean as they felt they would suffer less serious injuries if they hit growlers or bergs. Dear Heart has decided that she too will adopt this direction of sleeping - she's always been a bit that way on trains.

 

[Guest]

Individual and race passages

Can I suggest that all those who have made remarks here, look at the following web site which will clarify quite a lot.
www.speedsailingrecords.com