fastnet yacht race course

Everything you need to know about the Fastnet Race

One of sailing's most famous races begins on Saturday 3 August – and here's what you need to know Text by Jonno Turner

It’s one of sailing’s most famous events – a race taking place every two years, and seeing the best sailors in the world come together to test themselves in some of the trickiest conditions around.  

Yep, it’s time for the Rolex Fastnet Race. This 608-mile challenge has been a bucket list event for sailors around the globe since it began back in 1925 – and this time, it’ll look a little different.

On Saturday, the largest ever fleet of IMOCAs in the Fastnet's history – the boats that will contest the next Ocean Race in 2021 – will compete for bragging rights.

What is the Fastnet Race?

Simply put, it’s the largest ocean race in the world, featuring a mind-boggling array of boats. This 608-mile race from Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, to Fastnet Rock, sitting on the southern tip of Ireland, and back into a finish off Plymouth. The Fastnet has been raced since 1925 and has its place on the calendar of sailing’s most prestigious events.

Why is the Fastnet Race so famous?

It’s one of yachting’s classic races, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in the UK, and since 1925 has played a big role in the growth of offshore racing as a sport. If you like history, this is a race steeped in it, including a tragic edition in 1979 where 15 yachtsmen lost their lives after a stronger than expected storm decimated the fleet. The race hasn’t gotten any easier over the years and in 2019, the Fastnet remains a real test of sailing skills – with both inshore and offshore know-how needed to win. 

Talk me through the route...

The course has numerous challenges – and veterans often refer to these as mini races within one bigger race. For instance, the start will see the fleet leave the Solent to head west in tidal ranges of 4-6 meters, with strong tidal flows either helping or hindering the fleet. Add in the challenge of racing against over 400 other boats, as well as hundreds of spectators, and the race track becomes extremely complex – even getting out of the starting blocks cleanly can take massive levels of skill and calm – and races have been won and lost within the first 20 miles. As the fleet reaches Lizard Point – the southernmost point of the UK – they will then face shallow waters, Traffic Separation Schemes before popping out into the Celtic Sea, where things get really gnarly. Then, a quick dash to Fastnet Rock – trying to take the prize of being ‘first around the rock’ – before turning back and heading for home, via the TSS and some enormous tides. Throw in a 100-mile sprint back around Lizard Point to the finish in Plymouth, where the winds drop and become fickle, testing the competitors right up to the line.

What’s the connection between the Fastnet Race and The Ocean Race?

There is no official relationship between the two races – but a lot of respect. The Fastnet has often been used as a true test of form before The Ocean Race, and Ian Walker’s Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (VO70) still holds the monohull record from 2011, where they completed the course in 42 hours 39 minutes. This year will be particularly interesting, as it sees a massive fleet of upwards of 20 IMOCA 60s go head to head – the third largest IMOCA fleet in history – including many teams and sailors who are working to make the start line of the 2021-22 edition of The Ocean Race.

Who should I look out for?

There are plenty of Ocean Race legends taking part in the Race (too many to mention) and all scattered across different boats, but keep your eye out for some familiar faces. Three VO65s and three VO70s will take to the start line – and David Witt’s Scallywag 100-footer will race in the maxi class. In the IMOCA 60 class, Boris Herrmann, who is already registered to take part in the next edition, will compete against the likes of Paul Meilhat and Sam Davies.

Meanwhile, Offshore Team Germany, featuring Annie Lush and Conrad Colman is racing with an Ocean Race crew configuration onboard – so will give us the first indication of what life could be like in 2021.

Where can I track the fleet?

Make sure you visit the Rolex Fastnet Race website at https://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/  for all the latest news and rankings.

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Rolex Fastnet Race

The world's largest offshore race, the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race has been an established fixture on the ocean racing circuit since 1925. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the 695-nautical mile race is a test of strategy and skill with challenging tidal currents and changeable weather. The fleet starts off the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, races out of the Solent and across the often tempestuous Celtic Sea to the Fastnet Rock, before returning on a near reciprocal course to the finish line  off Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France .

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Caro wins Fastnet, yacht sinks and four dismasted in treacherous race

• Heather Prentice
• July 24, 2023

It was a fast and furious start to the 50th Rolex Fastnet Race with four dismastings and one yacht sinking in the winds of 40 knots

The 52ft Swiss entry Caro, skippered by Max Klink wins the 50th Rolex Fastnet Race

Caro , a Botin 52 owned and skippered by Max Klink, is the overall winner of the 50th Rolex Fastnet in a punishing race that saw one yacht sink and four yachts dismasted in gale-force winds, with close to 90 yachts pulling out in the first 24 hours.

Four-metre waves, and gale-force winds gusting up to 43 knots hit the fleet shortly after the start from Cowes on Saturday as a record 443 yachts headed off on the famous 695-mile yacht race round the Fastnet Rock off the south coast of Ireland and across the Celtic Sea to Cherbourg, France.

HM Coastguard reported that they had responded to 28 incidents involving yachts participating in the Fastnet Race in the first few hours, with a search and rescue helicopter and RNLI crews from Yarmouth, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth responding to multiple incidents.

The winning maxi trimaran SVR Lazartigue from France was the first yacht to round the Fastnet rock Photo: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

The most serious incident was the sinking of the Sunfast 3600 Vari in the western Solent. Only 20 minutes elapsed between the crew of Vari raising the alarm that they were taking on water and the yacht sinking. The two French crew were recovered from their life raft by an RNLI lifeboat at Yarmouth and taken ashore to hospital. They are both safe and well and now back in France.

Golden Globe Race skipper Tabio Lehtinen was dismasted on his Swan 55 Galiana , which is due to compete in the Ocean Globe Race, a retro edition of the historic Whitbread race, in September. Sun Fast 3200 Mirabelle was also dismasted as was Royal Naval Sailing Association’s Sun Fast 3600 Yoyo and Sun Fast 2600 Diablo

Oida ran around off Beaulieu after the anchor dragged and CF520 Oystercatcher XXXV suffered deck failure. There were several MOB/EPIRB distress alerts as devices got covered by water, proving to be false alarms.

The winner Caro also did not escape unscathed. ‘The first 12 hours we were just in survival mode, trying not to break anything, trying to keep the boat at 100 percent,’ said the Swiss owner. ‘I wasn’t thinking about any title or trophy, it was just about getting through the conditions.’

‘At one point we just had everyone in the cockpit, no one was hiking. And keeping the boat speed to no more than six knots and trying to just get through this really bad sea state.’

Strong wind against the tide led to heavy conditions early in the Fastnet Race Photo: Rolex/kurt Arrigo

Caro also sailed largely without instruments after damage to the top of the mast. Tactician Adrian Stead, twice a winner of the Fastnet, added: ‘We lost the wand off the top of the mast in the Portland tidal race and we lost all our wind instruments, so we were running blind.’

‘We pretty much straight lined it all the way (back from the Scilly Isles) and we realised we had a very good shot at winning IRC Zero so pulled out all the stops, got out some extra chocolate bars and had everyone hiking hard on the rail for the last few hours into the finish.’

Caro completed the course in 2 days, 16 hours and 40 minutes, two hours ahead of nearest rival Team Jajo on corrected time, although this may change as there ere are several yachts yet to complete the race. 

Multihull line honours went to SVR Lazartigue under skipper François Gabart with a new record of 1 day, 8 hours, 38 minutes, beating the exiting multihull record by 30 minutes and reaching the finish line an hour before rival Banque Populaire under skipper Armel le Cléac’h. 

The American yacht Warrior Won rounds the Fastnet Rock at dawn during the 50th Rolex Fastnet Race. Photo: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

The new IMOCA 60 Macif , skippered by Charlie Dalin, was the first monohull home, taking line honours in an incredibly close race between the giant IMOCAs. 

Macif beat Paprec Arkea , skippered by Yoann Richomme by only four minutes and Sam Goodchild, the skipper of For The Planet was only 13 minutes behind them. 

Macif set a new monohull course record of 2 days, 7 hours and 16 minutes, shaving over an hour from the time set by Skorpios , a ClubSwan 125, in 2021 when the race first sailed this new course.

RORC Racing Manager Steve Cole said the committee had considered postponing the race but that there was another low pressure system developing to the west of Ireland and in a seven-day race for some yachts it is difficult to avoid bad weather. 

‘The feeling was that, although it’s better not to have bad weather at all, if you have to have it, better along the English coast where there are places to shelter than, in the Celtic Sea,’ he told Yachting Monthly.  

‘Undoubtedly the forecast would have put some people off, but our rules are flexible enough to allow people to take shelter and then resume racing later. A lot of people did that and good for them for taking the right decision at the time,’ Cole added.

‘We put the races on and hopefully people are well prepared and well informed and the ones that get through it are the ones that deserve to finish.’ 

Yarmouth RNLI Coxswain, Howard Lester said: ‘This weekend’s Fastnet race was the busiest one for Yarmouth lifeboat, responding to six incidents in some very challenging conditions in the western Solent and beyond.

‘We were very fortunate that all our call outs were to crews with means of calling for help and were equipped with either lifejackets or had life rafts accessible onboard.’

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Moscow Arms Race 2.0

• Thread starter Mike.rider
• Start date Sep 16, 2009
• US Regional Cycling Boards
• Pacific Northwest

spocomptonrider

Sportin' the crocs.

Mike.rider said: few shots from the course. Got Questions? Email - [email protected] or post up here Click to expand...

MinorThreat

Turbo monkey.

MinorThreat said: Everyone - - this is a MUST-DO event if you can at all make it. Mike and the guys have a great course, they're well-organized and it's a real fun time. You will not be disappointed. I wish I could go. I've been waiting all year for this one and turns out it's going to be on a weekend I'm not free . Click to expand...

I am heading over from the westside that friday night if anyone needs a lift. -KT  

^ just make sure you bring a big ol bag of candy if your riding with KT. For the children of course.  

spocomptonrider said: Sounds sweet Mike, definitely not going to miss it this year. Lets see if I can not huck to flat over the above obstacle... Click to expand...

Mike.rider said: Hucks to flat are so Wedge Dawg man get with the times. Click to expand...

spocomptonrider said: fixed. Click to expand...

thom9719 said: Hucks to flat only happen when 30 WSE guys are standing next to a drop doing some "encouraging" Kyle, Click to expand...

is it possible to huck that one rock to flat? it seams like the way its positioned, Its super slow to slow down and roll it..  

swan3609 said: is it possible to huck that one rock to flat? it seams like the way its positioned, Its super slow to slow down and roll it.. Click to expand...

Mike.rider said: there is a corner about 2 bike lengths after the roll, and as Nick found out hucking it may result in flying of the trail down the hillside. everybody does it different I like to roll it the other way is to lift the front tire right as the rock ends to help with the G out. but the run in to it is tech as well so its a slow speed area. Click to expand...

swan3609 said: Ok I see... well I hope that I get a chance to make it down there and race it.. I herd good things about it last year.. Click to expand...

Definitely looking forward to this one and will be spreading the word... Gotta figure out some lodging. if you have any ideas let me know.  

MattPatt said: Definitely looking forward to this one and will be spreading the word... Gotta figure out some lodging. if you have any ideas let me know. Click to expand...

I think the moscow fairgrounds are free (my parents always parked the motorhome there when they visited) Otherwise, the rosauers lot is free along with walmart and winco! I wouldn't do the pullman thing, that becomes quite a commute if you are going back and forth. Kyle,  

I know a few different groups are heading over from the westside if anyone needs a ride, just ask! Kyle,  

Online registration just got posted. Sign up and show up! Kyle,  

thom9719 said: Online registration just got posted. Sign up and show up! Kyle, Click to expand...

This just in.... this years number plates wont suck! that and whoops hurt. that is all, thank you.  

downhillracer

I am coming out for this one for sure!  

downhillracer said: I am coming out for this one for sure! Click to expand...

Mike.rider said: whoops Click to expand...

So I was digging through an old hard drive and I found some interesting things! I found some old clips of the trail from when it was first cut, so I threw them together into a video. http://www.pinkbike.com/video/103841/#top I also found a sheet with some of the open mens times from last year Time Rider 2.27.08 Steve Mccullough 2.32.77 Kyle Thomas 2.39.36 Corey Bellinger 2.48.08 Will Floydd 2.48.96 Skye Schillhammer 2.52.55 Kyle Hueber 2.54.58 Tyler Repp 2.59.49 Tim Gregory 2.59.52 Justin Covey 3.00.27 Matt Minick 3.03.83 Cy Miller 3.04.96 Kyle Muhonen 3.07.02 Kevin Cotes 3.11.76 Ben Schepper 3.13.14 Michael Smith 3.14.02 Bryce Timm 3.16.02 Eric Schneck 3.19.83 Scott N. 3.20.46 Nate Storrs 3.21.58 Adam dahlman 3.35.08 Tyler Martin 3.35.52 Doug Minor 3.44.43 Grant Fujimoto 4.20.77 Alex Eley 4.28.55 Jeff Rees 4.34.61 Ben Aichele Kyle,  

that looks BEAUTIFUL! I hope it rains again, for those who don't know, Moscow is amazing in the wet, it isn't slick, just tacky, and NO dust! -KT  

Weather forecast is looking great! light rain this week and partly cloudy this weekend. The dirt was perfect yesterday and should be awesome next weekend!  

I heard rumors of a new drop at the end, anyone have pictures to confirm? -KT  

you and your rumors kyle know there are plenty of offers out there, but if anyone needs a ride im leaving seattle friday returning sunday. and i dont drive like a normal downhiller so chances are good you will make it back. come support if you can people, multiple great tracks with all sorts of skill levels, super chill time, and its the only dh race ive ever been to where you have the opportunity to drink with members the fairer sex afterwards.  

can't wait. only a couple days away!  

the kovaculator

I see practice is over @ 5....how many runs could I get in if I don't get down there until 2pm????  

the kovaculator said: I see practice is over @ 5....how many runs could I get in if I don't get down there until 2pm???? Click to expand...

I have room for 1 person if someone wants a ride over. we are leaving tonight at about 7-8 pm from seattle (driving from everett, through the city) -KT  

Weve had alot of rain. Went and rode the track today. It is greasy!!! Supposed to dry out tomorrow though! Lets hope so.  

Course was awesome today! Looking forward to race day! See you all tomorrow!  

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Published on July 24th, 2023 | by Editor

Brutal conditions for record-setting Fastnet Race

Published on July 24th, 2023 by Editor -->

The 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race set sail with 430 yachts on July 22 – up from the previous record of 388 that took the last pre-COVID race in 2019.

While pundits were comparing the wind for the 50th edition to that of the last Rolex Fastnet Race in 2021, in fact it was gustier with a densely overcast sky, drizzle that built to rain, and enough mist to obscure the mainland.

However, what was consistent was the heinous washing machine sea-state that competitors encountered at the western exit of the Solent at Hurst Narrows, as they passed the Isle of Wight’s most famous landmark, the Needles and beyond. As usual this built increasingly with the ebb tide, especially affecting the smaller yachts.

It was a brutal first night at sea with numerous retirements and many others seeking temporary shelter from the gale force conditions in the English Channel.

By the first morning, 86 had officially retired, comprising 78 across the IRC fleet (the biggest number being 27 in IRC Two) plus two Class40s, two IMOCAs, three MOCRA multihulls and one Ocean 50 trimaran.

In the severe conditions, HM Coastguard reported involvement in 28 incidents, including one sinking. Said the event statement, “At approximately 16:30 yesterday afternoon the Sun Fast 3600 Vari began to take on water southwest of the Needles. Thanks to the swift response of the emergency services both crew members were evacuated to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight and are safe and well. The boat is believed to have sunk although the exact reasons are not yet confirmed.”

Several calls to HM Coastguard were to do with injured crew. Otherwise, four yachts dismasted – Heather Tarr’s Yoyo from Ireland; Nick Martin’s Diablo; Bertrand Daniels’ Mirabelle and Tapio Lehtinen’s Swan 55 yawl Galiana (due to compete in the Ocean Globe Race shortly).

In addition, Azora sustained broken steering, Dulcissima a loss of rigging, while Richard Matthews’ CF520 Oystercatcher XXXV sustained deck failure and Oida ran aground after her anchor dragged.

There were several other incidents in which HM Coastguard was not involved, including the mast foot exploding on Long Courrier who retired to Cowes – the only occasion race veteran and 2015 winner Géry Trentesaux has retired from this race.

Fifteen registered entries didn’t start, including one of the race favorites – Peter Morton’s Maxi 72 Notorious in IRC Super Zero.

Good news did arrive on day two as after a tough first 24 hours, conditions had abated in the English Channel and Celtic Sea. Between Land’s End and the Scilly Isles, there were reports of 17 knots from 250°, dropping to 15 for the second night, with the wind in the western English Channel typically 10-15 knots.

But well ahead of that was François Gabart and his team on the 100-foot SVR Lazartigue as they crossed the finish line at 21:38:27 BST on July 23, setting a new record of 1 day 8 hours 38 minutes 27 seconds, breaking the time set by Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier on Maxi Groupe Edmond de Rothschild two years ago by 36 minutes 27 seconds.

The 32m long by 23m wide, foil-borne, flying Ultim trimarans are by far the biggest, fastest offshore race boats on the planet, with the gale force winds making little impression

“It is never easy to leave the Solent and doing it in an Ultim is even more difficult,” admitted Gabart. “Doing it with 400 boats around you is harder still. And if you do it upwind…in 25 knots…! It is not easy! We were happy to make it out of the Solent. I think if there had been more than 30 knots at Hurst, we wouldn’t have done it. After that the waves were strong, but we could still race and in the end, we broke nothing.”

Event information – Entry list – Facebook

A record-sized fleet got underway for the 50th edition of Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race from Cowes on July 22, 2023. For a second consecutive occasion, the course departed from the UK but has a French finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin via a 695 nautical mile course via the Fastnet Rock.

Tags: Fastnet Race , François Gabart , records

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ROLEX FASTNET RACE 2021

• Lumpy Solent takes its toll as 49th Rolex Fastnet Race sets sail

Special 50th edition Rolex Fastnet Race to take place in 2023

A year from now the start gun will fire on what will be the most significant, historic edition of the world’s largest offshore yacht race. Setting sail from Cowes on Saturday 22nd July 2023 will be the 50 th edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race.

For a second consecutive occasion, this will finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin via a 695 nautical mile course via the Fastnet Rock. Because this is a special edition, complete with celebrations taking place on both sides of the Channel prior to the start and at the finish, it is expected to attract a record-sized fleet.

The first race, then simply known as the ‘Ocean Race’ and held on a course from Ryde to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock, took place in 1925 with seven starters. A dinner immediately after the finish resulted in the Ocean Racing Club being established with Lt Cmdr EG Martin, owner of the first race’s winner, Jolie Brise, appointed Commodore.

Since then, top sailors from all over the world have competed in this most famous of the world's 'classic 600 mile offshore races'. The Rolex Fastnet Race was inspired by the Newport-Bermuda offshore race (first held in 1906) and US entries have remained strong. Notable US winners include yacht designer Rod Stephens Snr with Dorade (1931 and 1933); Dick Nye with Carina II (1955 and 1957); innovative designer Dick Carter with Rabbit (1965) and Red Rooster (1969); CNN founder Ted Turner's Tenacious which won the infamous 1979 race; and, most recently, David and Peter Askew on Wizard (2019).

The race has always attracted a powerful entry from the continent and especially France, with the great Eric Tabarly winning on board Pen Duick III in 1967. As France has come to dominate all walks of offshore racing, so four of the last 10 races have been won by their yachts.

Over the last two decades participation in the Rolex Fastnet Race has skyrocketed making it the biggest offshore race in the world. While the pro fleets such as the Class40 and IMOCA remain open, the size of the IRC fleet racing for the event’s top prize – the Fastnet Challenge Cup remains limited. As a result, when entry for the 50 th Rolex Fastnet Race opens on 11 January 2023, past experience indicates that positions will be filled and a waiting list begun within a matter of seconds.

For most of its life the Fastnet Race has been held biennially, however from the first race until 1931 it was held annually and three editions were lost due to World War 2. The race gained a special standing on the international stage during the decades as the hardest and deciding race of the internationally renowned Admiral’s Cup; the unofficial world championship of yachting.

As ever the 50 th Rolex Fastnet Race will gather a giant fleet spanning sailing clubs and schools, families and charter companies, for many of whom doing the race will be the pinnacle of their sailing careers; to the bulk of the fleet, the IRC cruiser-racers and racers; to the most successful privately-owned grand prix race boats from around the world, including the maxi monohulls jockeying for overall line-honour; to the impressive and highly competitive French fleets such as the 100ft Ultime trimarans, the IMOCA 60s of the Vendée Globe and Ocean Race and the Class40s.

Competitors should note that this year’s race will start earlier than normal, on 22 nd July when the tides will be more favourable. This will allow ample time to complete the race and cover the 75 mile reach back to the Solent in time to take part in Cowes Week.

“Interest in the Rolex Fastnet Race is exceptional, even a year out from the start there looks set to be strong interest from Europe once again,” says Chris Stone, Racing Manager of the RORC, currently in Helsinki for the start of the RORC-organised Roschier Baltic Sea Race, where several of the yachts competing are already preparing for the 50 th Rolex Fastnet Race. “We look forward to running our premier event again, free from any of the worries or constraints of the pandemic.” The last edition of the race pre-pandemic had a record 388 entries.

The Race Office will be open in Cowes, Hamble and Cherbourg from 17 th July 2023 and the Race Village in Cherbourg will be open several days prior to the start, sending off the French pro classes to Cowes for the start of the race.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club is working on the finish with L’Association Arrivée Fastnet Cherbourg in partnership with the town of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Communauté d’Agglomération du Cotentin and the Département de la Manche et Région Normandie.

Celebrations for the RORC will continue in 2025 when the club will celebrate its 100 th anniversary.

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The best golf clubs in moscow: luxury, exclusivity, and entertainment.

By Walter Raymond

February 24, 2015

• The Best Golf Clubs in…

In Russia, the western concept of building architecturally beautiful golf courses filled with modern and luxurious amenities has found fertile ground. What was considered a frivolous pastime during the time of the Soviets has become the latest trend for the stylish set. These days, there are countless options around Moscow to practice golf, polo, ski, yachting, and other sports alongside 5-star hotels, luxurious country houses, and magnificent villas.

The game of golf is a sport that requires passion and expertise. It is also part of a culture that considers this pastime a synonym of social prestige and exclusivity. In recent years, the new Russian elite has turned to golf as a vehicle of integration in the era of globalization. Golf courses are also meeting and socializing spaces where Muscovite tycoons can relax and also seal business deals.

Golf Courses in Russia

The Moscow Country Club, Pestovo Golf & Yacht Club, Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club, and Zavidovo Golf Club, PGA National Russia are some of the most exclusive and elegant golf courses in Russia. Some of them have made it to the list of Top 15 golf clubs in the world, a source of great prestige for the country.

Moscow Country Club Moscow Country Club

The first 18-hole golf course built in Russia, Moscow Country Club, hosts the exclusive PGA European Tour. Located just eight miles from the city center, this luxurious facility was created by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr . The design takes advantage of a typical Russian birch and spruce forest to provide a natural environment of extraordinary beauty.

Pestovo Golf & Yacht Club Pestovo Golf & Yacht Club

The Pestovo Golf & Yacht Club is 18 miles from the heart of Moscow, close to historical monuments from the 17th and 18th centuries. Designed by famed architects Paul and Dave Thomas , this 18-hole course is part of a complex that includes a yacht club, an equestrian center, and a health and wellness facility. Pestovo Golf & Yacht Club is Russia’s version of a classic country club with multiple attractions.

Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club

This park is among the best in Eastern Europe and was awarded the 2014 World Golf Award as the best golf course in Russia. Located 25 miles from Moscow, it is part of a vast complex featuring an 18-hole golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus , a polo club and a mountain ski club with four tracks. The design combines classic Scottish, Alpine, and English features in a dreamy landscape.

Zavidovo Golf Club, PGA National Russia Zavidovo Golf Club, PGA National Russia

Less than 60 miles from Moscow, this golf course with a definite Scottish design is the only one in Russia recognized as a PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) from Britain and Ireland. Located in an ecologically pristine area on the banks of the Volga River, the Zavidovo Golf Club embodies the spirit and appearance of the legendary Scottish golf courses. Its many springs and streams, hills, forests, swamps and lakes justify its reputation as a very demanding circuit. Last year, it entered the exclusive club of the 15 best golf courses in the world.   ■

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‘Gnarly’ but potentially record-breaking forecast for 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race

Rolex Fastnet Race 2023 stacked IMOCA fleet set to entertain

Who will win the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race?

Two giant foiling trimarans set for a Fastnet Race battle

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