Fastnet yacht race 1979

Thirty years ago this weekend 303 yachts of left Plymouth at the start of the Fastnet Yacht Race and headed west - unknowingly, headed in the opposite direction, was one of the worst summer storms to hit the south west in living memory.

By the time the storm had passed through the fleet of competing yachts, 15 sailors had died, 140 had been rescued by a huge rescue team that included Nimrods, helicopters, Naval ships, tankers and fishing boats - 23 boats were abandoned and 5 were lost - no lives were lost from the boats that sunk. One of the surviving yacths, Gunslinger, is currently based in Newlyn.

The RYA's inquiry into the race makes for an interesting read, as do some of the subsequent accounts and personal stories from the race.

Satelleite weather images from the time give some indication as to the data arriving at the Met Office, taken from this selection of image galleries.

A few survivors were picked up by the Guilvenec registered prawn trawler Massingey. She, along with two other French boats, the Petit Poisson and the Sanyann arrived in Newlyn late Sunday evening.
The Massingy on the end of the north quay discharging her resued sailors, the white vehicle to the left is possibly a waiting ambulance......
a number of fishermen are stood on the quay while the Massingey moors up......
looking across to the gaps with the Massingey on the left and the San Yann outside the Petit Poisson.

One for the armchair sailor - you can take part in this year's Fastnet Race - virtually - a simple and quick register and you will be ready to set sail from Cowes with the rest of the fleet starting on Sunday - then follow your progress against the rest of the fleet for real!