Plymouth will no longer host end of Fastnet Race - it's announced
Plymouth will no longer be the home of the classic Fastnet Race finish line, for the first time in almost a century.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), which organises the iconic sailing event, announced that the next races in 2021 and 2023 will finish in the city of Cherbourg.
Organisers delivered the news at a press conference on Tuesday 26 November.
Why Cherbourg?
According to the RORC, the finish line is being moved to open the race up to more competitors. The 2019 race had more than 150 boats on a waiting list.
The French port offers "enhanced facilities" with increased berthing and better shoreside facilities. Organisers hope this will allow more people to take part.
RORC Commodore, Steven Anderson, said the popularity of the race in recent years has meant entries have been limited because of berthing constraints in Plymouth.
Many expressed their disappointment with the decision on social media.
Plymouth Yacht Haven has been hosting the finish since 2013.
A spokesperson said the team wishes the RORC "the very best for future editions of the race" and offered the marina as a possible finish line for the Fastnet centenary in 2025.
One Facebook user described Plymouth Sound as a "Fastnet highlight" and said: "It won't be the Fastnet if it finishes anywhere else."
Another called it a "radical change" and said an "historic race" is about to be lost.
Some praised the decision, though, with one person adding that the move "brings a new dimension", with Cherbourg being a "pleasant change".
The Fastnet Race in Plymouth
The biennial event has ended in Plymouth since it first took place in 1925, with just seven boats.
In 1979, 15 people died off the coast of Cornwall when a Force 10 storm hit sailors taking part. RNAS Culdrose was at the centre of the operation to save lives.
Spring forward to 2019 and this year's Rolex Fastnet Race had 388 yachts on the start line from all over the world.