The Royal Western Yacht Club is delighted to launch the Plymouth Lonely Rock Race 2021. The Original Lonely Rock Race (OLR) 2020 successfully took place in the most adverse conditions.

The Original Lonely Rock Race (OLR) 2020 successfully took place in the most adverse conditions.

The race was put together to continue the legacy of the ‘Fastnet Race’ course, the original classic 600-mile offshore race, which was formed by members of the RWYC in 1925. The RWYC have had overwhelming support for the race from all over the world and are happy to announce that the RWYC will be running the race again in 2022 and 2025, the centenary year of the Original Fastnet Racecourse. The ‘Plymouth Lonely Rock Race’ (PLR) will run in alternate years to the OLR.

Following numerous requests for this race to be formed, the PLR will start and finish in Plymouth, rounding the Fastnet Rock to port and leaving the Isles of Scilly to port on the return. The 508-mile course, 100 miles shorter than the original Fastnet Racecourse will also be the highest ranking points race for the new, Southwest offshore group series. Classes will be offered for IRC, MOCRA, cruiser and one design classes can be accepted. Options on crew numbers are solo, double handed, half IRC crew number as well as full crew.

A strong entry is expected for the race, particularly as the start and finish is from the same port. COVID management will be much easier and for the UK entrants the city has the main railway line for those needing to get home quickly.

The entry will be limited to the first 70 boats. ‘Intent to enter’ emails should be sent to lrr@rwyc.org

Entry form coupled with deposits are required to secure entry – available on the site from 14th January 2021. For further information please go to rwyc.org/plymouth-lonely-rock-race

by Adrian Gray