THE STORY
In August 1979, the biennial Fastnet Race from Cowes to Plymouth encountered an unexpected storm in the Celtic Sea. The storm capsized several yachts, resulting in 15 fatalities among the 303 participating yachtsmen. The Royal Navy conducted a large-scale rescue operation to assist the affected sailors.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Fastnet Race fleet
WHY IT MATTERS
The disaster led to significant changes in offshore sailing safety standards and remains a pivotal event in the sport's history.