Duran Duran star to race in Rolex Fastnet race
by Margaret Murray 12 May 2005 16:28 BST
7 August 2005
Yacht Crew reunited to enter Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race for 20th Anniversary
Simon Le Bon the lead singer of pop legends Duran Duran is set to announce his plans to race the super yacht DRUM again this Summer by entering the world famous Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race on the 7th August 2005 at a press launch in Glasgow this Monday (16th May 2005).
Le Bon who escaped death after his yacht Drum capsized in bad weather off the coast of Falmouth whilst competing in the 1985 Fastnet Race, will be reunited for the first time with the original crew members. The reunion will mark the crew's 20th Anniversary of Drum's last attempt in the 1985 race.
The yacht now renamed "ARNOLD CLARK DRUM" is owned by leading Scottish entrepreneur and businessman Sir Arnold Clark, who kindly agreed to loan the yacht to Le Bon and his crew when he heard about their plans for Drum to race again and to raise awareness of the R.N.L.I.
The biennial Rolex Fastnet Race is considered to be one of the world's classic ocean races, the 608-mile course is a test for skippers and crews with its tricky tidal currents and changeable weather conditions. The race, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, with the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Royal Western Yacht Club, Plymouth will start on Sunday 7th August 2005, off Cowes, Isle of Wight. The Royal Ocean Racing Club's classic event will attract in the region of 250 yachts this year.