I want a challenge but is the Fastnet too much?

[Shearwater]

I am retired, well funded, have some of the sailing bits of paper (not Yachtmaster), have sailed up and down, round and round. Am fully fit n 60. Now I want to go somewhere I haven't been before but I want to return from it. 'It' of course is fear. I want to see it, feel it and smell it BUT I want to be sure of returning from it and that, to my mind, means having a skilled, professional in control. So where do I go? Buy a berth on the Fastnet? Although happily married, I think this challenge might be a solo..... your thoughts welcomed. Over+

 

[Mudplugger]

As a junior wrinkly of questionable age, have to admit it was in the days of my youth in my middle/late 50's when I did the Fastnet. Have to say that the race itself was actually exceeding pleasant and an experience that the rest of the (verging on geriatric) crew would not have missed. What was less enjoyable was the qualifiers! If I remember correctly, we had to participate in 4 RORC events during the run up to the main event. Every B***** one in the wet and blowing a hooley! Have a feeling that u have to log about 500nm for the majority of the crew in order to qualify (happy to be corrected if I'm wrong) .... if it suits go for it! you are old a long time these day's.

 

[bilbobaggins]

I offer the thought that a challenging 2-handed 'venture' - a race such as the RBR, AZAB or even Transatlantic, or a self-selected passage ( the sea doesn't notice whether you're racing or not ) to/via somewhere interesting, in a sound boat and with someone of similar age/infirmity (!) but with a lot more appropriate experience - would probably fill the bill.

That setup means you need/must be attuned to the boat, the seas, the weather - and to another being. And vice versa. It would be a struggle - but, in my experience, a struggle-at-sea shared is much fuller-flavoured than one single-handed - unless you're one of those rare people who really don't manage with other people very well.

[ QUOTE ]
“for whatever we lose (like a you or a me) / it's always ourselves we find in the sea” e e cummings

[/ QUOTE ]

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[yoda]

This year's Fastne shows just what a challenge it can be. 600 miles of racing in some difficult waters where wind and tides can add up to some very trying conditions. Having completed 5 in my younger days I am now much more aware of how difficult it is. The pre-qualifying requirements may just give you some idea and in my mind you need the whole crew not just 50% to have been sailing together before the race so you know everybody's strengths and weaknesses.

Does your challenge have to be a race? Some of the triangle events put together have an interesting combination of sailing and stops which may provide what you are lookiing for perhaps by looking for a place with a private owner.

Yoda

 

[flaming]

If the fastnet is your aim then it's worth remembering that you're two years from the next race. Why necessarily pay for a berth when there's two years to fins a boat and crew that share your objectives regarding the race?

 

[tomframe]

hi, i have just done the fastnet, well attempted it.

i went with a company called Sailing Logic Racing - www.sailinglogicracing.co.uk

we started as a very mixed team of various ages from early 30's to mid 60's - also with various experience. Brian the old man of the boat had been here before this was his second fastnet and is talking of more.

as a team we did do 4 RORC races to qualify but to be honest they where all great for the team.

give sailing logic a call and I am sure hey would put you in touch with Brian, or send me a private massage and i will pass on his email address.

i would say go for it, the fastnet is one of the great races to do, I will be back in 2 years and will certainly still go with Sailing Logic. who i believe was the only charter company with yachts still left in the race. they have a nice blog on their site with pictures of all the crew.

tom

 

[Slow_boat]

Why race at all ? Why not just sail out there and back on your own? Or sail out there and continue on ut the west coast of Ireland?

BTW, I did the '79 Fastnet and had enough scares to last a life time, thank you. Adventure is only adventure after the event, at the time it is being cold wet and scared, hot dry and scared or any combination ending in scared.

 

[Shearwater]

Such sound advice and much to think about. I could do-it-myself one day; currently limited by a 23.5 ft lift keeler, light weght, Legend 23.5. Hmmm..... perhaps one of the RYA schools on a light booking? Go for the Yachtmaster theory with a Majorca, Gibralta school and go for the burn??? Tghank you friends for your responses, thdey are appreciated.

 

[AndrewB]

Do it, but ...

... the Fastnet only turns hairy about one year in ten. Otherwise, its just a sail. The Sydney-Hobart would be more guaranteed to test your fear factor.