img7316The Royal Ocean Racing Club today announced sponsorship of the
prestigious Fastnet Race by Montres Rolex S.A The agreement, initially
signed for three events, represents a solid development in the relationship
between the two organizations.

Peter Rutter, Commodore of the RORC, commented, "We are very pleased to have
Rolex partnering us in this event. It is the first time in the history of the
Fastnet that it has been sponsored. Rolex shares our aim for keeping the
profile of this famous race as high as possible and to maintain its status
amongst the elite of international offshore races."

The timing of the Fastnet will dovetail perfectly with Rolex' s other
international yachting event in UK waters, the Rolex Commodores' Cup, which
takes place biennially in even years and is also organised by the RORC. This
year's Rolex Fastnet Race starts off the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes on August 12.

The histories of the RORC and Fastnet Race are inextricably linked, both
having had their roots planted in August 1925, when the first race (won by
Jolie Brise, the 56 ft Pilot Cutter owned by George Martin, a founder member
of the RORC) was held. Since that time the Fastnet has been the flagship
race for the Club, encapsulating its ideals of promoting deep water, offshore
racing initially in and around Britain, but also internationally.

The course is approximately 608 miles, from the Royal Yacht Squadron start
line at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, westward down the English Channel, across
open sea to the south-west corner of Ireland and the Fastnet Rock, from there
after rounding the Scilly Isles to port, the fleet returns to the English
mainland, finishing at Plymouth.

Typically attracting 230-250 yachts, including Open 60 Multihulls &
Monohulls, Volvo 60s and Maxis at the cutting edge of technology, the race
features in the resumé of most seasoned ocean racers.

Royal Ocean Racing Club: www.rorc.org