3rd in Rolex Fastnet 2021 onboard Volvo 70 I LOVE POLAND

What a race the Rolex Fastnet was! Massive thank you to I Love Poland for inviting me onboard as navigator.

The start was full on to say the least! As navigator I was glad to be in the boat and not on deck in the 30-35 knots! We started well, being in the mix with the IMOCA and class 40 fleet, being able to overtake most by time we’d exited the Solent.

After a lot of studying I decided the best approach to lands end would be to hug the south coast of the UK and not follow the IMOCA’s down into the channel as we wouldn’t have to speed to carry us through the tidal gate at Raz Blanchland.

After great boat handling from the crew we were able to take the north passage with the big right hand shift that took us to the Fastnet.

Rounding the Fastnet we were first place in IRC and IRC zero, not bad for us! The down wind leg to Cherbourg was tough with the wind constantly filling in behind us which allowed the fleet to gain large distances on us and in the end take the lead away. This didn’t damper the mood on board to much as we had a fantastic battle to the finish with the IMOCA’s of the Charal sailing team and the 11th hour team, managing to just snuggle past them with some tidal tactics. Leading us to cross the line as 3rd monohull overall, 6th in IRC zero and 20th in IRC.

A great race, on a great boat, with a great crew! What more could a sailor ask for! It was a real pleasure to sail with I Love Poland