In August 1979, the greatest disaster in ocean racing history took place when a huge storm hit the Fastnet race. Thirteen RNLI lifeboats took part in a massive search and rescue operation alongside the RAF, Royal Navy, Irish Air Corps and other services. Lasting 36 hours in horrendous conditions, they towed in or escorted at least 20 yachts and landing survivors. Today we remember the lives of those tragically lost, and the selfless determination of those who went out to the rescue. #OneCrew #We

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Fastnet Yacht Race disaster in the Irish Sea. Nineteen people lost their lives as boats were tossed about in 40 foot waves and near-hurricane force winds | https://bit.ly/2OVFuU8 | RTÉ News

Today we remember the worst disaster in ocean racing history when, in 1979, a huge storm hit the Fastnet race. The lives of those that were lost and the bravery of those involved in the rescue operation will never be forgotten. | RNLI

𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐'𝚜 𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚜 🌊 On Sunday, August 8th, a fleet of over 350 yachts will cross the squadron line to begin their voyage to the #Fastnet Rock. Join us LIVE on Facebook at 1030 BST this Sunday for the start of the worlds biggest offshore yacht race. #RolexFastnetRace 📸 ROLEX | Royal Ocean Racing Club

…and it’s called the Rolex Fastnet Race 🤩🌊 Tomorrow entries open for the world’s largest offshore yacht race. Are you going to race?! 👇 #RolexFastnetRace #Rolex #Yachting #Sailing #RORCracing 📸 ROLEX | Royal Ocean Racing Club