Breaking new ground in what is still a male-dominated sport, yachtswomen Lorna Graham and Jo Burchell, both 27, will be the first ever ‘double-handed’ crew to compete in the famous Fastnet Race. Aboard the 35ft Yacht Care Chartering, they are believed to be the only all-female crew taking part.

Departing from Cowes on the evening of Saturday 7 August, Lorna and Jo will be taking on the male teams and the bigger fully-crewed yachts head-to-head. They are expected back in Plymouth around 12 August, depending on conditions. Sailing with the added speed of spinnakers and without an autopilot will make for a still greater challenge and little chance to sleep.

Lorna, who turned her back on a City career to set up her own yacht care maintenance and chartering companies, said ‘Jo and I are experienced, capable sailors; this is a wonderful opportunity and we are really excited’.

Sponsorship comes from cutting-edge marketing company, the Clearface Group, who will use their new ON-LINE communication and distribution system, Visage, to send and receive detailed UPDATES FROM LORNA THROUGHOUT THE RACE. These will include images and progress reports which will then be distributed using the Visage system. Entering the Fastnet double handed, is brave and challenging. As a company, Clearface also relishes a challenge and is not afraid to suggest new and innovative solutions to client projects. The Fastnet gives Clearface an opportunity to demonstrate Visage operating in extreme conditions.

Sandra Wightman, Clearface marketing director, comments, ‘We at Clearface, like Lorna and Jo, are passionate about what we do. We work with a range of clients and recognise that our success lies in innovation, enthusiasm and team skills, much like the crew of a boat. The challenge of the Fastnet is a great platform for us to communicate our unique services to a wider audience’.

Related Links to the Fastnet Yachting World . Weather at the finish line from CNN . Official Site