The start sequence for the 2007 Rolex Fastnet Race is underway in glorious conditions – bright sunshine and west-south-westerly 15-20kts of breeze. The cloud is however, starting to build on the horizon which means the early starters including the IMOCA Open 60 will be hitting some stronger breeze soon.

According the Rolex tracking system and an unconfirmed report, Alex Thomson’s Hugo Boss banged the island shore and has stormed into the lead leaving Vincent Riou aboard PRB leading the following pack.

The aim for the big boats now is to make as much headway as possible in a race to reach Land’s End as soon as they can. If they do this they could ride the edge of the front meaning they’ll build up some staggering speed which could result in records being broken. But it’s still early ‘days’ and it totally depends the speed the expected low hits the fleet.