The RYA 150 Podcast - Episode 4: The storm that changed sailing
by RYA 14 Oct 2025 12:05 BST
RYA 150 Podcast: Episode 4 – The storm that changed sailing © RYA
The Fastnet Race is meant to be a test of skill and endurance - a prestigious offshore race on one of the sport's toughest courses. To this day, it remains a bucket list challenge for many. In 1979, it became a tragedy that reshaped safety at sea.
Iconic, tough and respected worldwide - the Fastnet Race is one of offshore racing's ultimate challenges. But in 1979, the race would go down in history for very different reasons.
Without modern forecasting or real-time updates, sailors encountered a violent storm that escalated far beyond expectations.
The fleet was overwhelmed, crews were stranded, and what began as a contest of seamanship became a fight for survival. Twenty-one lives were lost in the events that unfolded.
From stricken competitors anxiously awaiting rescue, to the RNLI crews racing into danger, this episode captures first-hand accounts of the efforts and the bravery shown on that night.
Featuring:
- Frances Reincke - a sailor who was rescued, sharing her personal story from inside the storm.
- Mark Gannon - Courtmacsherry RNLI crew member, recalling the 1979 call-out.
- Simon Rowell - Meteorologist, explaining the weather systems that built the tragedy and how forecasting and monitoring has evolved since.
- Richard Falk - RYA Director of Training & Qualifications, on how the lessons of 1979 transformed training, safety and seamanship.
Lessons for a safer future
How could so much go wrong so quickly? This episode explores what the Fastnet disaster revealed about preparedness, communication and seamanship in extreme conditions.
The inevitable review that followed reshaped sailing forever. From sea survival training to international race protocols, safety equipment and improved forecasting, the legacy of the Fastnet disaster lives on in safety measures we continue to rely on today and that have helped avert disasters of a similar scale since.
The RYA 150 Podcast, hosted by record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari, marks 150 years of sailing heritage and future inspiration. You can listen to a new episode every week via your favourite podcast platform - including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music - or online at rya.org.uk/150-podcast