The 1979 Fastnet race was the twenty-eighth Fastnet race, a yachting race competition held since 1925, generally every two years. In 1979, it was the climax of the five-race Admiral's Cup competition, as it had been since 1957.
Storms during the race wreaked havoc on over 306 yachts taking part in the biennial race, resulting in 15 fatalities. Emergency services, naval forces, and civilian vessels from around the west side of the English Channel were summoned to aid what was the largest rescue operation in peace-time. Those involved included the entire Irish Naval Service's fleet, lifeboats, commercial boats, and helicopters.
Read more about 1979 Fastnet Race: Build-up, Meteorological History, The Disaster and Rescue Mission, Finish Line, Vessels That Did Not Finish
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