Rolex Fastnet Race 2023 - A Brutal Start

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Published 2023-07-23

A day before the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race and with a forecast for punchy conditions, crews had been putting on a brave face, yet underneath and with the prospect of 450 boats threading their way out of a narrow gap at the end of the Solent many were very apprehensive...and with good reason. The start of the world's biggest offshore race was as brutal as the weather forecast suggested...and there was more to come.
Matt Sheahan reports on the first 24 hours of this legendary race.
He starts from the centre of the action after the start to see the fleet exit the Solent through Hurst Narrows where conditions were wild as the fleet set out on the 689 mile course.

All Comments (21)

@malcolmmoy 11 months ago

Congratulations to the sound engineer, getting clear speech in a gale is so hard.
@fintanlawton9502 11 months ago

it's the one wave in 50 that drops the cutlery drawer 🤣love it
@CinematographyLischka 11 months ago

A stunning display of the Fastnet Race's intensity and scale. The contrast between serene practice and race chaos, paired with breathtaking aerial views, underscores the event's raw excitement and challenge. A remarkable race, amplified by its impressive participation.
@Aoi_Fans 11 months ago

Shout out for the real MVP in this upload - Matthews Microphone, great quality lads.
@rg3412 11 months ago

Good luck to Pip from France, she's awesome!
@TomSnyder--theJaz 11 months ago

Great coverage, Matthew Sheahan. As a current land-lock sailer, I enjoy all your updates. Cheers
@songsmith31a 11 months ago

As a landlubber with very limited experience of sailing, I admire the fortitude of all those who take up this sort of challenge, and gain much pleasure in viewing the various yacht designs and how they cope with the conditions that can be met. Thank you.
@garrettkenny5591 11 months ago

Many many thanks for the great content Matt
@BlueWaterTeno 11 months ago

I sai;ed from Tonga to New Zealand on Kialoa II (and we won the Russell Tallships Race that year). Good to see her looking fine. She was the only boat I sailed on with a gimballed shelf next to the galley, very very useful at meal time!
@stefanschneider3681 11 months ago

Great job as always, beautiful footage, and I always like your friendly, interested, competent style of interview. But MAN, at 3:33: I've never seen a boat this big with sails this small, must have been terrifying!
@rebstriesit 11 months ago

Really enjoyed this video - didn’t even know this race existed before! Thank you so much for the great and informative coverage!
@erikvictor 11 months ago

Thanks for the update, hopefully, nobody got hurt in the turmoil. This is not a walk in the park.
@user-ux1qv8rw6y 11 months ago

Great footage what a race!. Many many thanks for the great content Matt.
@GordonjSmith1 11 months ago

Excellent coverage! Keep safe everyone.
@freedom35pedrick 11 months ago

Interview with Pip was so good! Thank you
@allanmontile8210 11 months ago

Great coverage, thank you.
@user-nt9nd7xm5f 11 months ago

Great footage what a race!
@Karma-fp7ho 11 months ago

Such beautiful boats - pushed right to the breaking point.
@peterosborn6056 11 months ago

Many thanks for a splendid video especially enjoyed the chat with Ellie Driver
@cbmelanjen4315 11 months ago

thanks Matt better than all readings