Three round the Rock and heading for home

DAY THREE 0800 RACE UPDATE - Karl Kwok’s Farr 80, Beau Geste rounded the Fastnet Rock just before 0600 with Niklas Zennstrom’s JV 72, RÁN approximately 6 miles astern and also round. It was a frustrating approach for both with the wind dying as they got near to the famous lighthouse. RÁN will be looking to hold onto the coat tails of the 80 footer but Vittorio Volonte’s STP 65, Luna Rossa is not far behind but is slowing down as the breeze decreases for them as they approach the Irish coast. Half way across the Irish Sea, Nigel Passmore’s Plymouth based TP 52, Apollo, is leading the class on handicap but may fall back down the rankings as the mini maxis speed away downhill, en route back to Plymouth.

The wind is predicted to swing easterly and eventually strengthen to about 15 knots. Up ahead the lead boat, Mike Slade’s ICAP Leopard looks set to take line honours by a canter but a record run looks unlikely. However ICAP Leopard has gybed to the west, this may be to get a better wind angle to Land’s End when the wind shifts to the left. It will be interesting to see how, Beau Geste and RÁN use this change in wind direction to their advantage but they will both be keeping an eye out for Luna Rossa who should be quick in light to medium downwind conditions.

The Spanish Swan 53, La Foresta del Mar, still holds sway in IRC Zero with American RP 48, Sjambok in second. But after an average start, the highly fancied Ker 46, Tonnerre de Breskens, has broken into the top three and will fancy their chances dowwind, especially against the heavy displacement La Foresta del Mar.

In IRC 1A, French Grand Soleil 43, Codiam is leading on handicap from L’Ange de Millon, an X 43. Whilst in IRC 1B, The Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Andrew McIrvine, racing Quokka 7 has managed to get pole position after a close battle with Reflex 38, Puma Logic. Both of these boats have corinthian crews.

IRC 2A Arcona 37, Arcsine, are leading on handicap and have just passed Land’s End having tacked north, in second place is the classic Humphrey’s 40, Old Mother Gun who have gone offshore, although the two boats are on an equal distance to the rock, over 20 miles separate the two on the water.

IRC 3A has a new leader, Dufour 34, Major Tom, has left ground control and is heading offshore whilst Sigma 38, With Altricity is in second place, having tacked half way in shore of Major Tom. Whilst in IRC 3B, David Lees, Lymington based High Tension 36, Hephzibah, has a commanding lead. As well as having a great position to win class at the 2009 Rolex Fastnet, they may well be thinking about the RORC Season’s Points Championship; they are looking like a top contender.

Last but by no means least, there are 28 boats competing in the Rolex Fastnet Race, two handed. Completing a 608 mile race with a tactically and physically demanding course is tough enough, attempting it two handed requires all round ability, stamina and fortitude. Currently leading by a long way on the water and on handicap is Mike Moxley’s HOD 35, Malice. You couldn’t find a nicer bloke than Mike but to be fair, he hasn’t always won in big races. I am sure those who know him will wish him and his co-skipper all the luck. However, the bowsprit J Boats in his class will fancy their chances downwind in the light, once they get around the rock.