With no yacht left on the course capable of bettering the corrected time posted by Leon, the French yacht has been declared overall winner of the centenary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Sailed double-handed, co-skippers Alexis Loison and Jean Pierre Kelbert raced the 10.45 metre / 34 foot JPK 10.50 to victory against a record-breaking fleet of outstanding pedigree and talent. Winning this legendary race once is an exceptional achievement, doing so twice is beyond the wildest dreams and expectations of even the most skilled and gifted of sailors. Alexis Loison has done just that, previously winning in 2013 sailing with his father Pascal.

Joining a band of six other skippers to have won on more than one occasion, Loison’s accomplishment is all the more remarkable given that on both occasions he has done so double-handed. It was by no means a simple task. Not only did the pair outwit the opposition, the majority of whom were fully crewed, their strategy, decision-making and execution had to be pin-point to overcome the myriad of complexities that make up the 695nm course.

The Rolex Fastnet Race is always an examination of determination and endurance. Success is dependent upon possessing the ability to race one’s yacht at its full potential, whatever the weather or sea conditions. Luck plays a part with the wind, but there is no replacement for focus, commitment and passion. Leon has marked its place in history, adding its name to the illustrious list that adorn the Fastnet Challenge Trophy. A worthy addition in this anniversary year of the world’s largest offshore race.

 

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