Watching the Fastnet start
Discussion
Does anybody regularly watch the start of the Fastnet? If so, any tips of where is best? I'd prefer not to traipse across to the IoW if possible.
I've been living and sailing in Australia for the past 6 years, where I both raced and watched the Hobart. Now I'm back would like to do the same with Fastnet.
Some Googling suggests that Hurst Castle is a good bet, has anybody been there before? The train is an utter pig, so I'll be driving down, what's the parking like?
I've been living and sailing in Australia for the past 6 years, where I both raced and watched the Hobart. Now I'm back would like to do the same with Fastnet.
Some Googling suggests that Hurst Castle is a good bet, has anybody been there before? The train is an utter pig, so I'll be driving down, what's the parking like?
Good evening.
I note that you haven't received a reply to your question!
The 'best' place to view the start is on the IOW, preferably Cowes, and in particular, on the balcony of the RYS!
A trek along the spit at Milford towards Hurst Castle (mind the debris) would afford an excellent view of passing yachts, but parking anywhere near will be a challenge.
It's all a bit difficult unless you are 'connected' as you could enjoy the spectacle afloat if you were!
What's wrong with taking the train and ferry to Cowes? Any other option is a PITA, or a long way away from the action, and if you want to really get the full experience, there is only one option, IMHO.
HTH
I note that you haven't received a reply to your question!
The 'best' place to view the start is on the IOW, preferably Cowes, and in particular, on the balcony of the RYS!
A trek along the spit at Milford towards Hurst Castle (mind the debris) would afford an excellent view of passing yachts, but parking anywhere near will be a challenge.
It's all a bit difficult unless you are 'connected' as you could enjoy the spectacle afloat if you were!
What's wrong with taking the train and ferry to Cowes? Any other option is a PITA, or a long way away from the action, and if you want to really get the full experience, there is only one option, IMHO.
HTH
You can choose to view the start line just behind the cannons on the public path immediately in front of the RYS. Anywhere west of this line up to and including the Green / Beach area before Gurnard will be a good place to watch. I've watched several starts from here and if the optimum end of the start line is closet to the island then the race start can be particularly good to watch...
Whilst Hurst is also a good spot to view from, by the time the fleets have got there, they're relatively dispersed.
Pequod, there’s plenty parking at Keyhaven, are you saying it just gets too busy due to Fastnet spectators?
I really want to see the start…I’m down on my own boat from Friday but I have my 5 year old lad with me and I’m slightly concerned about putting him off on the way over to Cowes as it’s looking a bit spicy on Saturday, so a drive down to Keyhaven/Hurst was looking like an option for me…
I really want to see the start…I’m down on my own boat from Friday but I have my 5 year old lad with me and I’m slightly concerned about putting him off on the way over to Cowes as it’s looking a bit spicy on Saturday, so a drive down to Keyhaven/Hurst was looking like an option for me…
Park at Keyhaven, get the ferry to Hurst. If an English Heritage member go in the castle up on the roof. If not, stand on the big pile of rocks just east of the lighthouse.
Or, long stay parking in Lymington, ferry to Yarmouth, roof of Yarmouth Castle, end of the pier, garden of The George or 10 mins walk to Fort Victoria and go up on the roof.
Or, long stay parking in Lymington, ferry to Yarmouth, roof of Yarmouth Castle, end of the pier, garden of The George or 10 mins walk to Fort Victoria and go up on the roof.
Huntsman said:
Was quite amusing watching the big multihulls trying to short tack through Hurst.
A couple of retirements in Yarmouth inc one chap with a bashed bonce heading off in an ambulance.
Looking at the race tracker quite a few boats never made it to hurst before turning around. I’m expecting a few more retirements over night. A couple of retirements in Yarmouth inc one chap with a bashed bonce heading off in an ambulance.
ecsrobin said:
Last week I was getting jealous of friends racing. Today I’m quite glad I’m not onboard 
IIRC you mentioned that you sail on Desperado? Proper conditions for a Swan 65!They got an amusing shout-out on the commentary, words to the effect that the youngest guy on board was in his late 50s or 60s
NickCQ said:
IIRC you mentioned that you sail on Desperado? Proper conditions for a Swan 65!
They got an amusing shout-out on the commentary, words to the effect that the youngest guy on board was in his late 50s or 60s
It’s all the old boys this race. I’m half that age! Although they do have a bowman onboard that’s under 30 but it doesn’t sound as good for the commentary! They’re running well sadly Hardship III the other 65 was with them but had to retire last night. All the crew are ok though. That’s a recently refurbed one. They got an amusing shout-out on the commentary, words to the effect that the youngest guy on board was in his late 50s or 60s
ecsrobin said:
Last week I was getting jealous of friends racing. Today I’m quite glad I’m not onboard
We raced for the whole week - it was epic - went out on friday for fun when racing was cancelled in 30 knots + - upwind stint to mainland in a small boat before downwind send back into cowes was probably similar to the fastnet start - "challenging" - especially in a small boat which does not reef! Did Fastnet in a small class 4 boat in 2019 - for those who raced in Cowes for a week and are on Fastnet now - even with a few days off before start - big respect. Body and liver still are under repair from just messing about in Solent for a week - let alone then dealing with Irish Sea. 
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