49th Rolex Fastnet Race

 

Tuesday 10th August 2021. YCM’s Dmitry Rybolovlev’s ClubSwan 125 Skorpios completed the 695-mile Rolex Fastnet Race course in 2 days 8 hours 35 minutes 5 seconds to win the Monohull Line Honours. It was the 43m boat’s first offshore race since launching in May.

 

Family history

Dmitry Rybolovlev took part in the race alongside his daughter Anna Rybolovleva, for whom it was also the first offshore race: “We’re very pleased with the boat; the team was great. We want to thank the whole team for such great efforts. We were trying to stay conservative, especially in the high wind at the start, but we’re excited what the boat can do in future races. Rounding the Fastnet Rock was kind of magical, it was a really special moment”.  A 337-strong fleet, including 13 IMOCAs, 36 Class40s and three big multi-hulls in the Ultim Class, lined up on the start of this great classic off Cowes (Isle of Wight), with the finish line set in Cherbourg for the first time. Among those taking part was Oren Nataf, also from the Yacht Club de Monaco, aboard his Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert. He finished 2nd in the multihulls in the MOCRA (Multihull Offshore Cruising & Racing Association) category. After exiting the Solent on Thursday 8th August they headed for and round the Fastnet Rock to the west before setting course for the finish in Cherbourg. The race is famous for the rough weather it can inflict on competitors and this is the 49th edition.