Editing Fastnet Race (section)

==Course==

The Fastnet is a challenging race. Taking place in August, the race is often provided with Westerlies that are strong to gale force in strength. The succession of [[low pressure system]]s which advance on Ireland and Britain across the [[North Atlantic Ocean]] provide a constantly moving weather pattern for which Fastnet navigators must plan. These [[depression (weather)|depressions]] are mostly centered north of the English Channel. Knowledge of where meteorological disturbances are likely to occur, and how best to use them, is key to success in the race.

===1925 to 2019 course===
[[File:Fastnet Race parcours.png|right|thumb|275px|Original course (1925–2019)]]
The Fastnet Race took place every two years over a course of {{convert|608|nmi}}. The race started off [[Cowes]] on the [[Isle of Wight]] on the south coast of [[England]] at the [[Royal Yacht Squadron]]. Leaving [[the Solent]] through [[the Needles]] Channel, the race followed the southern coastline of England westward down the [[English Channel]] before rounding [[Land's End]]. After crossing the [[Celtic Sea]], the race rounded the [[Fastnet Rock]] off the southwest coast of [[Ireland]]. Returning on a largely reciprocal course, the race rounded the [[Isles of Scilly]] before finishing at [[Plymouth]].

The Royal Western Yacht Club, which supported the RORC with the finish of the race in Plymouth, now runs a race on the original course.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rwyc.org/plymouth-fastnet-500 |title=Plymouth Fastnet 500 Race |website=www.rwyc.org}}</ref>

===2021 course===
The race starts off the [[Royal Yacht Squadron]] start line of [[Cowes]] on the [[Isle of Wight]] on the south coast of [[England]] at the [[Royal Yacht Squadron]]. Leaving [[the Solent]] through [[the Needles]] Channel, the race follows the southern coastline of England westward down the [[English Channel]], before rounding [[Land's End]]. After crossing the [[Celtic Sea]], the race rounds the [[Fastnet Rock]] off the southwest coast of [[Ireland]]. Returning on a largely reciprocal course, the race rounds the [[Isles of Scilly]] before finishing at [[Cherbourg]].

The finish was changed to [[Cherbourg]] from Plymouth in order to accommodate increased fleet sizes. Facilities at Plymouth were cited by organizers as one of the main reasons for the change.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rorc.org/news/news-2019/royal-ocean-racing-club-to-finish-the-rolex-fastnet-race-in-cherbourg|title=Royal Ocean Racing Club - Royal Ocean Racing Club to finish the Rolex Fastnet Race in Cherbourg |website=www.rorc.org}}</ref> This was not universally welcomed due to the nearly 100 year heritage of the course and race. This change also increases the course distance to over {{convert|700|nmi|km}}.

Coastal landmarks passed along the route include: [[The Needles]], [[Portland Bill]], [[Start Point, Devon|Start Point]], [[The Lizard]], [[Land's End]], the [[Fastnet Rock]], [[Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly|Bishop's Rock]] off Scilly, and Cherbourg breakwater.