Plymouth Fastnet 500 - entries start to come in for the 3rd edition

2024 Fastnet 500 winner, “Sunfire” - Steve Andrews from the RWYC © Jerry Lock fotocraft

The Royal Western Yacht Club will once again host the Plymouth Fastnet 500 race on 16th August 2026.

RWYC race director and Commodore, Adrian Gray said, "We are really pleased to say that the '500 has started to gain popularity for sailors outside of the Southwest. We are starting to see visiting yachts from the Solent and further afield who wish to take on this really challenging course. It is a navigator's dream, with a straight run at the Fastnet rock and back with no huge tidal gates. It also starts and finishes from Plymouth, which makes logistics so much easier than the alternative race next year! '500 race is developing into a 'must do' on the calendar."

Leaving Plymouth on Sunday 16th August at 1200hrs, the fleet will pass the first lighthouse, the Eddystone, to Starboard. They then pass the Isles of Scilly whilst avoiding all the 'no-go' TSS zones and across the Irish Sea to set up for a port rounding of the famous Fastnet Rock. On their return they will leave the Isles of Scilly to Port and finish in Plymouth sound, on the original Fastnet Race finish Line at the breakwater.

Gray went on to say, "The attraction of this race is clear, no logistics in getting kit from the start to the finish, no need for passports, less time off work, much cheaper berthing than the Solent yet it has all the thrills and key features of the 'Fastnet Race'. We already have some great entries who are potentially up for the record. We cannot wait to see which local, national and international entries join them in what will no doubt be a permanent fixture for those who love their offshore racing but prefer a southwest price tag. We have an incredible arena for the start and the finish.

"Ask anyone, there is something really special about Plymouth Sound and what we have to offer, that's why yachts keep coming back time after time."

Entries are open for yachts of 27ft to 70ft in length, mono and multihull. Classes will be offered to Solo, 2 handed and fully crewed. IRC VPRS and MOCRA Handicaps will be accepted, along with non-rated boats.

For further information and to enter the race, please refer to rwyc.org/plymouth-fastnet-500-race/2026

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