J/99 Whimjy 99 Wins IRC 3 | Rolex Fastnet Race

Ultimately it was Julien Bentz’s J/99 Whimjy 99 that crossed the Cherbourg-en-Cotentin finish line at 00:42 local time to take victory after IRC time correction by 19 minutes. “It changed a lot and was really difficult over the last 24 hours, because the conditions were shifty and the current challenging,” Bentz commented. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but we fought until the end and it paid off. “For most of the crew it’s our first Fastnet, so it's a great achievement. We have been working on this project for two years and, while it was a mix of intense racing and adventure, there was also a lot of discovery for us along the way. What was their winning formula? “A mix of many things of course and we prepared very well for two years. The crew and the atmosphere also – we’ve been sailing together for a very long time – maybe 45 years with Romain Troublé.” “It was a very good race for this boat – upwind and downwind, with no reaching – it was perfect,” added Troublé, son of former America’s Cup skipper and supporter Bruno. “The Fastnet Rock two days ago in the fog and in the dark at two o'clock in the morning was quite an amazing memory for us.” Full story; https://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/en/j99-claims-rolex-fastnet-races-irc-three- #RolexFastnetRace #RORCracing 📸 RORC / Tidal Pulse