#Repost @rnli • • • • • • Today we remember the worst disaster in ocean racing history when, in 1979, a huge storm hit the Fastnet Race. The lives of those that were lost and the bravery of those involved in the rescue operation will never be forgotten. On 11 August 1979, 303 yachts set out on the 605-mile racecourse from Cowes to Plymouth via Fastnet Rock at the southern tip of Ireland. But late at night on the 13th August a tremendous storm arrived that would continue for 36 hours. The Force 11 winds whipped up towering 50 foot waves causing boats to be dismasted and capsized, sending sailor overboard into the raging sea. In total, almost 200 yachts retired, while 19 were abandoned and five sank. The events sparked one of the biggest rescue operations since the Second World War, involving many services including the RAF, Royal Navy, Irish Air Corp and the RNLI. In total the RNLI gave over 170 hours of service, launching 13 lifeboats and saving 96 lives, including crews from Baltimore, Courtmacsherry, Ballycotton, Dunmore East, Angle, Fowey, Falmouth, The Lizard, Padstow, St Ives, Penlee, Sennen Cove and St Mary’s. Over 40 years on, we remember the 15 sailors who were lost and thank our volunteers who showed perseverance and fortitude during two days at sea that will never be forgotten. Image 1: Courtmacsherry Harbour relief Watson class ‘Sir Samuel Kelly’ tows in yacht during Fastnet race 1979. Image 2: St Mary's Watson motor class ‘Guy and Clare Hunter’ tow a stricken yacht. Image 3: a map demonstrates the scale of the rescue operation Images 4 & 5: Credit to Nigel Millard. Baltimore Tamar class lifeboat ‘Alan Massey’ circles the Fastnet Rock lighthouse. #fastnet #fastnetrock #fastnetrace #rnli #lifeboat #lifeboats #rescue #sea #storm #anniversary #yacht #sailing #sailinglife https://www.instagram.com/p/CD3Jm8KoqR_/?igshid=1ijdd4kx3zzs6