It is the largest fleet since the 303 in the ill-fated 1979 race when the competitors were caught up in a vicious storm and 15 died . Leading trimarans round Fastnet Rock in yachting 's classic the Royal Ocean Racing Club 's . yachtswoman Dee Caffari Maxi Banque Populaire was leading battle for line honors . Record 15 starters for the 608-nautical mile offshore classic . 314 competitors died in 2007 race as fleet hit by vicious storm .
Leading trimarans round Fastnet Rock in yachting 's classic the Royal Ocean Racing Club 's . yachtswoman Dee Caffari Maxi Banque Populaire was leading battle for line honors . Record 15 starters for the 608-nautical mile offshore classic . 314 competitors died in 2007 race as fleet hit by vicious storm .