Plymouth Yacht Haven to host 2017 Rolex Fastnet Race finish

Following the resounding success of its involvement for the past 3 events, Plymouth Yacht Haven has once again been selected as the host marina for finishing yachts in this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Cowes and London based club behind the famous biennial event, awarded the event to Plymouth Yacht Haven who’ll provide berthing and shoreside facilities for the race.

One of ocean racing’s most prestigious races, the 47th edition will see 340 boats taken on the 603 nautical mile course from Cowes to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock located off the southern coast of Ireland. This year, RORC have relaxed the limit of the maximum monohull length of 100ft ensuring the race will attract the biggest and finest racing yachts from around the world.

RORC’s decision to host the finish and post-race events at Plymouth Yacht Haven was welcomed by Marina Manager Steve Kitchen who commented, “We’re delighted to have been chosen to host the finish for the race once again, with RORC recognising the first class marina we operate here in Devon. Back in 2015, our Haven Team berthed 299 boats over a 48 hour period and we’re already making berthing plans to accommodate even more boats this year.”

Steve continued, “We encourage local residents and race spectators to come to the Yacht Haven to see the event in person. The Race Village will be full of pop-up stalls, retail outlets and live music, plus we will open the pontoons to allow members of the public see the boats and soak up the unique post-race atmosphere. More information will be published on our website once plans are finalised.”

The 47th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race gets underway off Cowes on Sunday 6th August 2017 with boats hoping for a good breeze in order to be in Plymouth in time for the British Fireworks Championships on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th August.