FAST40+ Class officially launched

Fast 40 Race Circuit © Fast 4

We are delighted to announce the Official Launch of the FAST40+ Class & announcement of the upcoming FAST40+ Race Circuit.

To find out more about the teams, rule and schedule, please visit the Fast 40+ website – www.fast40class.com

Twelve teams, from six nations have already entered this exciting new Race Circuit, with two more teams expected to join the line up during 2016. See www.fast40class.com/teams

The FAST40+ Race Circuit is based around 5 Solent based events, including Cowes Week and the FAST40+ UK National Championships in September. In addition, the fleet will, be participating in the RORC Easter Challenge, Warsash Spring Championships, JP Morgan Round the Island Race and Garmin Hamble Big Boat Championships, with Class Starts at each event. See www.fast40class.com/events

"The Fast 40+ Class has been two years in the making, since 2013," comments Rob Greenhalgh, Class President, "and we have had tremendous support from Boat Owners and from the Industry. These Classes naturally evolve with time but all the initial feedback is very positive and I am confident that we will have great racing on the water and the Class will continue to grow. There has been a huge amount of work to get to this stage and I am pleased it is coming to fruition."

The Fast 40+ Class was first proposed at an owners meeting in November 2013, but did not quite gain critical mass. Fortunately for the Class, Mike and David Bartholomew lead the charge, acquiring the first of these type form boats, with his stunning Botin Carkeek GP42 Tokoloshe, followed by Sir Keith Mill's Ker40 Invictus and Stuart Whitehead's C40MKII Rebellion, both joining the fleet during 2015.

"The appearance of these boats last summer and the close racing that they immediately delivered, clearly made an impact," adds Greenhalgh. "At the end of last season, we had interest from five or six boats, which grew quickly to twelve by the end of the year."

It is clear from this rapid take-up, that owners have a substantial appetite to compete in these high performance boats, sailing faster courses in boats, with more dynamic systems and technology than the traditional fleets.

That said, it is not just about the boats, as Greenhalgh has pulled together a capable team of professionals to help set this programme up, most notably including Stuart Childerley as Race Director and Andrew Yates as Chief Measurer. Both Stuart and Andrew are highly respected within these racing circles and give confidence to the regattas organisers, who will ultimately have to put on these events on behalf of the Class.

In addition to the team, the Fast 40+ Class has benefited from immediate marine industry support, from a number of high profile partners, all of whom have stepped up and contributed financially to establishing this class.

The Fast40+ Class website and social media channels are now LIVE, to stay up to date with this exciting Class please sign up to the Fast40+ database via the website or Facebook Page.