Rolex Fastnet Race 2019 – 7 August – Wizard Leaves Fleet Spellbound

The 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race has been won by David and Peter Askew’s 21.5 meter (70-foot) Maxi yacht Wizard. Finishing third on the water behind her larger rivals Rambler and SHK Scallywag, she is the first American yacht to win the race overall since Great News in 1989. Prevailing from an international fleet of 388 yachts is a remarkable achievement. The Rolex Fastnet Race is one of the world’s legendary and most challenging contests. Wizard’s crew can be rightly proud of their accomplishment and for fully embracing the characteristics required to succeed in discipline of offshore racing: preparedness, determination, endurance and skill. It was not an easy win. Conditions at the Fastnet Rock on the second day were some of the worst in recent years with strong wind and steep waves testing the commitment of the crews. Wizard’s position at the top of the podium was challenged hard, not least by French yacht Bretagne Telecom, which finished second overall, a mere 45 minutes behind and British yacht Tala, a further 45 minutes back. The victory adds further lustre to the enduring and continuing history of the race. Discover more https://on.rolex.com/2YI5bKv Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. It naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and today supports the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas. The brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races, such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting new SailGP series, where national teams race in supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the likes of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Ocean Racing Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport. #Rolex #Perpetual #RolexFastnetrace