Fastnet International Schools Regatta
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The Fastnet International Schools Regatta is a Regatta that takes place each year in the County Cork village of Schull, Ireland.
The regatta consists of three different fleets which experience and seasons qualify for progression into the higher fleets. If the sailor receives a high place on the scoreboard, the sailor will be eligible for moving up a fleet. The three fleets are Bronze, Silver, and Gold, Bronze being the first fleet you must enter into, and Gold being the highest fleet. The hierarchy is not a rank, and Gold does not have more say over Silver or Bronze. All competitors are of equal rank.
Each sailor racing represents his or her school (All sailors are under 19 years of age).
The Regatta has been ongoing for 19 years (as of 2006) and is held in Schull harbour. It is hosted by the The Fastnet Marine & Outdoor Education Centre. The name Fastnet comes from the most southernly point of Irish territory, Fastnet, and previous years has seen the Gold fleet race in the vicinity of the Fastnet Rock (The official land territory end of Ireland)
There are different classes of boats that race each year, each with their own handicap that is calculated by a computer in the Marine OEC (Outdoor Education Centre). RULES FOR 2007:1 All races will be within 3 metres of the shore unless it is windy and then they will be on shore.2. No-one is allowed to win a race. 3. All parents must own a 4WD registered in 07.4 All parents must own a VERY NOISY RIB.4. No-one who entered before can enter this year. 5. Anyone who enters this year must promise not to enter again. Hopefully no-one will enter then we won't have to bother!
[edit] Boat classes
There are several classes of boat in the regatta each with their own handicap according to their ability. The handicap is calculated by a computer on site. During the races (usually 2-3 for Bronze/Silver and 3-5 for Gold - but there is no set amount) the Bronze and Silver fleets race together on the same course, but the Gold fleet will race on their own.
The classes are not restricted to fleets. Each boat class has its own award setup (First overall, First in Bronze fleet, First in Laser Radial Bronze Fleet, etc)
Concorde (big dinghy)
