Double Entry For Navy In This Year's Fastnet

The Royal Navy have announced they'll be competing with two yachts in this year’s prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race, which starts on Sunday, August 6. 

They'll enter Jolly Jack Tar, a J/109 racing yacht and Dasher, a classic Nicholson 55 yacht, which will compete for the final time before it is retired from service. 

The yachts will be crewed by a mix of regular and reserve personnel.  

The Army are also expected to put in a strong presence, with their newly-purchased ocean-going boat British Soldier leading their challenge.

The Fastnet is an iconic and historic 608-nautical mile offshore yacht race.

After a spectacular start off Cowes on the Isle of Wight where a record 390 yachts will cross the start line, the race heads out of the Solent and along the south coast towards the Isles of Scilly.

Then it heads across the Irish Sea to round the Fastnet Rock lighthouse, returning to the Scillies and a thrilling run to the finish line at Plymouth.