Fastnet International Schools Regatta
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 ability separate the Bronze and Silver Fleets from the Gold Fleet. Novice sailors enter in the Bronze, and experienced race sailors in the Gold Fleet. On-the-water coaching is encouraged for the Bronze Fleet competitors.
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 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).
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 its own.