For the first time in its 76 year-old history, the Fastnet Race, one of the classic events in the yacht racing calendar, has a sponsor.

Watch makers Rolex have agreed to back three events, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, spread over six years starting with this year's race, which is taking place despite the abandonment of the Admiral's Cup, starting from the Solent on August 12.

A major yachting sponsor, Rolex also backs the Commodores' Cup, which takes place biennially in even years and is also organised by the RORC.

The histories of the RORC and Fastnet Race are inextricably linked, both having had their roots in the inaugural race in August 1925, which was won by Jolie Brise, the 56 ft Pilot Cutter owned by George Martin, a founder member of the RORC.

Since then, the Fastnet has been the flagship race for the club, promoting offshore racing both in and around Britain and internationally. The course is around 608 miles, from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, westward down the English Channel, across open sea to the south-west corner of Ireland and the Fastnet Rock.

From there, after rounding the Scilly Isles, the fleet finishes at Plymouth. Peter Rutter, Commodore of the RORC, commented, "We are very pleased to have Rolex partnering us in this event. It is the first time in the history of the Fastnet that it has been sponsored."

First published on Tuesday 24 July 2001: Graham in bid to defend Fastnet Race record LYMINGTON'S Lorna Graham has entered the Rolex Fastnet Race as one part of a double-hand crew after her record breaking success in the 1999 event, where she became the first ever double-handed crew to enter and complete a Fastnet.

Graham, 29, has again teamed up with Dorset yachtswoman Jo Burchell for the race that starts from Cowes on Sunday, August 12.

Racing the Humphries 35 'Criterion', they will set out to defend and beat their own record of four days, 20hrs and 34mins.

The Criterion Racing Team won the double-handed Fastnet Race in 1999, the double-handed Round The Island race in 1999 and Royal Southampton Yacht Club's Ladies' Trophy in 2000.

A former shipbroker, Graham now runs a yacht care and management company, while Hampshire born Burchell taught art and design at her old school King Edward the VI.