Editing Fastnet Race (section)

===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.