The RWYC 'Original Lonely Rock' race entry opens on Sunday 15th August 2021

Sunrise wins the Lonely Rock Race 2020 © Jim Deheer

With the Notice of Race being released on Wednesday 4th August, we have pleasure in announcing the second edition of the RWYC 'Original Lonely Rock Race' (OLR2022) in association with the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. The first start of the OLR2022 will be 1400hrs on Sunday 17th July.

Following the original 'Fastnet' course which starts in the area of Ryde Bank, within the gaze of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. The fleet then exits the Western Solent, on to the Fastnet Rock which they will round to port. Then, passing the Isles of Scilly to port,the fleet will once again enjoy an historical finish experience at the Plymouth Breakwater Light house.

Royal Western Yacht Club Commodore, Chris Arscott said; "Once again, we are delighted to be running this 608-mile race on the world's most famous offshore racecourse of all. We are equally as delighted to continue our association with the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. We see this as a real feature of the race, their help and support with the start takes us back almost 100 years and adds a dimension to the race which would not be the same without them ".

Royal Victoria Yacht Club Commodore, Chris Rickman, said: "I am delighted that RVYC is once again working in partnership with the Royal Western YC and will provide the start line for this race, giving us continuity from the original race to the present day. Both clubs worked extremely hard to ensure the race could go ahead last year, which was quite a challenge for us all in the midst of Covid restrictions. The level of interest expressed already, nearly 12 months ahead of the race, is a tribute to both clubs. I am very much looking forward to RVYC's team working again with RWYC to promote and, in our case, provide the start to the second edition in 2022."

Held during some of the most challenging times of Covid, the OLR2020 race was the only UK and one of the very few overnight offshore races in the world to actually take place in the entire season. Many would not happen due to the social aspect of the racing not being possible, but it was with great credit to the race committee's determination and the crew's commitment to put the race ahead of the social's that the race did go ahead. Next year will see a very different landscape to this.

Adrian Gray, (acting) Rear Commodore Oceanic and OLR Race Director added, "Based on the level of interest we received for the 2020 edition, we expect to see 70 to 80 boats on the start line competing in a range of disciplines, from Solo & double handed to our new format of 4 crew and of course fully crewed. We expect a very mixed fleet that will primarily consist of Corinthian sailors of all levels, from those who are going through all the stages of qualifying and taking part in their first 'classic 600 miler' to those more professionally ran teams who are out to win class and to even take on the course records. We have recently been working with IMOCA to offer their pre-2007, OPEN60 boats a racing platform to compete on. This will be one of a number of events offered to them, which we are also very excited about."

The race village will be within MDL's QAB Marina, which is on the city side of Plymouth Sound and with easy access to hotels, restaurants and the infamous nightlife. Returning to this location will mean a short walk to the very best the City of Plymouth has to offer long with added visibility for sponsors and spectators alike. The return to a great atmosphere for all coupled with easy logistics for the teams.

For further information, please refer to rwyc.org/lrr or email