Sigma 38 Class still writing history in the Rolex Fastnet Race

Persephone of London and the Rolex Fastnet Race crew © Sigma 38 class

30 years later the Sigma 38 has what it takes

The Sigma 38 was designed in 1985 in response to the tragic 1979 Fastnet when the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the Royal Thames Yacht Club collaborated to sponsor a new one design yacht which would stand up to tough offshore conditions. Today, thirty years later the Sigma 38 is still writing history. The 2015 Rolex Fastnet has demonstrated that the robust British yacht still has what it takes.

The thirteen Sigma 38s competing in this year's classic, offshore race make up the largest one design class. With exactly the same sail plan and precisely the same equipment there are no excuses and hence, competition is intense. As expected the 2015 Fastnet has tested the indomitability of boats and crews but this time has thrown an exceptionally wide variety of meteorological conditions. The Sigma 38 is well renown for handling strong winds and big seas but the yachts' and crews' performances in the challenging tidal and light air first phases of this year's race are also commendable.

Father and son, Nigel and Tim Goodhew's story on Persephone of London is one of grit and determination. Having made a reasonable start in windless conditions they were washed past the wrong side of the first mark, had to sail back against the tide and on existing the Solent found themselves completely last. There began a fightback and by dawn the next day they had almost inconceivably managed to creep into second placed Sigma 38. Having made the significant decision to sail west of the Scillies they were the first Sigma 38 to round the rock. After 4 days and just under 10 hours they finished in Plymouth as first Sigma 38, 6th in Class 4, and 19th overall, one of the strongest Sigma 38 performances ever.

Less than an hour and a half later the With Alacrity crew, who epitomise the talented, Corinthian sailors that the Sigma 38 attracts, finished second. Third place has been strongly contested by MacHismo and Sam of Hamble, with the lead changing numerous times between the two boats. In a worthy demonstration of close one design racing after more than four days of racing MacHismo beat Sam by just under and hour.

Whilst the podium positions have been decided there are still some Sigma 38s yet to finish. They can rest assured that the wider Sigma 38 community who avidly follow the race will be tracking and willing them into the finish. The Fastnet isn't just a tale of winners, every one of the 13 Sigma 38s that have competed in the race have achieved so much and are making Sigma 38 history.

www.sigma38.co.uk

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