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1979: Fastnet stories
The Fastnet Challenge Cup is one of the most demanding courses in offshore racing.
Crews in the biennial event are frequently faced with bad weather, but in 1979 the fleet sailed into one of the worst storms ever to hit an ocean yacht race. Fifteen people died and dozens of boats were lost. On This Day spoke to five of the survivors.
Heath's right-hand man Owen sailed with Sir Edward for 12 years and was the man trusted to take the helm when the hurricane-force winds overtook the race fleet.
Prize winner Their trophy for winning Class V was awarded at a "low-key and sad" prize giving in Plymouth.
Powerless to help The crew heard many distress calls on their VHF radio during the night, but were powerless to help in such high winds and mountainous seas. They were forced to abandon the race after their mainsail ripped.
Fastnet first-timer Mike could not find anywhere to store his tent and so is probably one of the very few people to take one on an offshore yacht race.
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