Armchair experts around the world now have the chance to test their skills against the 2,500 sailors racing on 300 yachts in the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race, starting on Sunday 9th August.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club has launched The Virtual Fastnet Race which will mirror the 608-mile race known to all as a true test of offshore sailing skill. To win this race is the ambition of every racing sailor. The course runs from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, around the Fastnet Rock off the South West coast of Ireland and back to Plymouth. It is a difficult race and tests inshore and offshore skills, preparation and speed potential. The virtual race will be no different!
For some, taking part is a once-in-a-lifetime personal challenge, but if you can't be on the race yourself, sit back and become a virtual racer, competing in real time and real weather conditions on the same rack track against the fleet.
Developed by Virtual Regatta.com, The Virtual Fastnet Race is free to play and is designed to be as close as possible to the real thing.
Eddie Warden-Owen, Chief Executive of the RORC said: “We are now giving fans the opportunity to take part in their own race with our virtual game. The competitors can create their own Rolex Fastnet Race campaign without even having to get wet or leave the sofa!”
“Over 200,000 virtual players participated in the Volvo Ocean Race game, making it the largest online sailing community. It was huge and we are sure the Virtual Fastnet Race will be just as popular. The game is designed for non-experienced sailors as well as professionals and is all about strategy but easy to use.”
Sebastien Destremau of Virtual Regatta.com commented: “Well over half a million players worldwide are participating in the largest oceanic races in the world with Virtual Regatta ! The game is simple: Create your yacht, adjust your heading, choose your sails and do battle with the skippers from around the world. The Game has fast become a phenomenon with 340 000 players competing for three months during the last Vendee Globe and 220 000 in the just completed Volvo Ocean Race. It is now one of the largest sailing promotional mediums reaching the wider global audience.”
To play, visit the Virtual Fastnet Race visit http://fastnet.rorc.org/
Your virtual race begins at 1200 BST on Sunday 9th August.
