The Storm that Changed Sailing - Fastnet '79 - Royal Yachting Association - RYA | 215 views

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The Storm that Changed Sailing - Fastnet '79

Royal Yachting Association - RYA

56.0K subscribers 2.0K Videos 15.5M Total Views

Video ID: pR4t8D6wWSw
View Count: 215
Video Duration: 0:57:20
Published At: 2025-10-14 02:30:37 20d ago
Video Description: #yachtracing #sailing #podcast The Fastnet Race is meant to be a test of skill and endurance – a prestigious offshore race on one of the sport’s toughest courses. To this day, it remains a bucket list challenge for many. In 1979, it became a tragedy that reshaped safety at sea. Rescue to the rescue Iconic, tough and respected worldwide – the Fastnet Race is one of offshore racing’s ultimate challenges. But in 1979, the race would go down in history for very different reasons. Without modern forecasting or real-time updates, sailors encountered a violent storm that escalated far beyond expectations. The fleet was overwhelmed, crews were stranded, and what began as a contest of seamanship became a fight for survival. Twenty-one lives were lost in the events that unfolded. From stricken competitors anxiously awaiting rescue, to the RNLI crews racing into danger, this episode captures first-hand accounts of the efforts and the bravery shown on that night. Featuring: Frances Reincke – a sailor who was rescued, sharing her personal story from inside the storm. Mark Gannon – Courtmacsherry RNLI crew member, recalling the 1979 call-out. Simon Rowell – Meteorologist, explaining the weather systems that built the tragedy and how forecasting and monitoring has evolved since. Richard Falk – RYA Director of Training & Qualifications, on how the lessons of 1979 transformed training, safety and seamanship. Lessons for a safer future How could so much go wrong so quickly? This episode explores what the Fastnet disaster revealed about preparedness, communication and seamanship in extreme conditions. The inevitable review that followed reshaped sailing forever. From sea survival training to international race protocols, design and improved forecasting, the legacy of the Fastnet disaster lives on in safety measureswe continue to rely on today and that have helped avert disaster of a similar scale since. Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.