Fastnet

[LeonF]

Spent a Christmas gift voucher on Rousmaniere's account of the Fastnet that went horribly wrong. Have read snippets about it over the years but never a full account. I cannot recommend it more...a gripping read, painfully moving, and a real reminder of the havoc the sea can wreak.

 

[Ships_Cat]

I agree. Is well worth reading.

Is many years since I have done so myself though and don't own a copy anymore - have been tempted to buy another.

Some of the things from the Fastnet are advanced on in Marchaj's "Seaworthiness, The Forgotten Factor" - bit expensive to buy for a casual read and more technical (not very so and easy to read) but worth a glance through too if have access to a copy.

John

 

[beancounter]

Re: Fastnet - and others

On a related topic, Rob Mundle's book "Fatal Storm", about the ill-fated 1998 Sydney - Hobart race is also an excellent, but chilling read.

Ironically, I read it whilst lazing on an Ionian Flotilla - about as far away from the terror of a "Southerly buster" as you can get.

 

[Epirb23]

Re: Fastnet - and others

Your comment on "Fatal Storm" is timely in that Hayling Island Sailing Club is hosting the Glyn Charles Pursuit Race this Saturday ,17th June.
This is current on the YBW news....
http://www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20060513111907Sailpower.html

 

[guernseyman]

Rousmaniere's account of the Fastnet was the first account to discuss why the disaster was so bad and so patchy: Rousmaniere himself sailed through the thick of it unscathed. The previous three accounts I had come across all left me with unanswered questions.