Congratulations to Pata Negra ( Andrew/Sam Hall and crew) and Finally (Paul Kitteringham and crew) for completing the 2023 Rolex Fastnet race in fine style, after encountering challenging conditions with a particularly difficult start - including a beat out of the Solent into building pressure with up to force 9 gusts, with asssociated big seas and strong tides - conditions that lead to many retirements.
Afer the first 24 hours, with a moderating breeze and transition from SW to NW, a tricky routing round the TSS near the Scillies and then calm winds - at times no wind in the Irish Sea!.
After rounding the iconic Fastnet lighthouse, both boats enjoyed some fast reaching to the french coast and a spinnaker run to the finish.
All the crews are in great spirits and enjoying the aprés race party in the race village, and hopefully the memories of the leg back from the Fastnet rock will erase the memories of the leg to it!
Finally crew joined by the Pata Negra crew in Cherbourg yesterday.
We look forward to seeing the crews back in Pwllheli soon, and wish both boats and crew a safe delivery home.