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Jersey-born sailor Phil Sharp and his team are leading their class in one of the world's most prestigious and dangerous offshore races.
The Rolex Fastnet Race is a biennial yacht race where competitors must sail over 600 miles from Cowes, Isle of Wight, around the Fastnet Rock at the southernmost tip of Ireland and back to Plymouth.
Pictured: The Rolex Fastnet Race route from Cowes, Isle of Wight, around Fastnet Rock and back to Plymouth.
The 92-year-old race is notoriously difficult and dangerous. In 1979, in what became known as the 'Fastnet Tragedy', a freak storm caused the deaths of nineteen people, including yachtsmen and rescuers.
Phil, who was born in Jersey, and his crew members Robin Marais, Pablo Santurde and Pietro Luciani set off on Sunday and are currently leading the Class 40 category aboard Phil's yacht 'Imerys'. After 24 hours, Team Imerys have held their lead despite a failed plate on the mainsail track. Posting on social media, Phil said: "We have a temporary solution in place, I just hope it holds until Plymouth!"
Team Imerys are keeping their supporters updated on their progress via Phil's Facebook page.
Video: Phil Sharp updates his fans as Team Imerys maintain their lead.
Speaking about Team Imerys' progress on the second day of the race, Phil said: "So far it's been non-stop, we've made a lot of sail changes and had many difficult decisions to make, because the weather is very unstable and the forecasts are highly localised. Our little confidence in the forecasts has pushed our strategy to focus on simply sailing the shortest route – essentially to reduce the chance of getting caught out.
"We're about two hours away from Land's End and think this passage might just be the trickiest part of the race... In fact we're on a deadline - if we don't make it past before the tide turns we could end up going backwards, and the wind is dying!
"Life on board is good, I've been able to focus on nav and the guys are shifting around roles on the boat. We're in a great routine and feel like we've been at sea for days already!”
As of 06:00 today (8 August) Phil had 342 nautical miles left to cover.
Phil isn’t the only island representative enjoying success in the Fastnet, with Alex Thomson, son of a Jerseyman, currently in 9th place in his IMOCA 60 category. Alex, whose family lives in Jersey, this year became the fastest Briton ever to sail the world after finishing the Vendée Globe in second place.
Video: Alex Thomson updates his followers on his progress in the IMOCA 60 race of the Fastnet Championship.
To track both Phil's and Alex's progress in the Fastnet, click here.
As of 06:00 today (8 August) Alex had 321 nautical miles left to cover.
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