Miranda Merron, sailing 40 Degrees (Class 40) with Peter Harding the owner, and Fraser Brown have rounded the Fastnet Rock. Merron sent this report from the yacht earlier today:

“Having rounded the Fastnet Rock yesterday, we have been enjoying the downwind conditions – and every so often passing a boat going upwind on its way to the Rock, delighted that we have got that bit out of the way.

“We took the spinnaker down in 30 knots at dusk, since the seaway was getting difficult, and while various crewmembers were doing their utmost to keep breaking the 20 knot speed barrier, there are many more miles of racing this season. So a bit of boat preservation during the night (shooting stars etc, very occasional water over the deck, huge improvement on previous two nights!).

“We passed the Scillies before dawn, and are now heading towards Lizard.

“The chat on board occasionally touches on beer…more later. X Miranda.”