Elodie bonafous carved a piece of offshore racing into history on Tuesday. She became the first woman in the IMOCA category to win the Rolex Fastnet Race, after a nail biting duel which went to the end.

After more than two racing days in a record-breaking 444-strong crew, the 29-year-old French sailor skippered the newly launched Association Petits Princes-Queguiner IMOCA, with Vendee Globe veteran Yann Elies aboard. He crossed the finish line in Cherbourg only seven minutes in front of Jeremie Béyou's Charal.

Bonafous remained calm during a final night filled with drifting conditions, tactical bets and dramatic lead changes.

She was briefly overtaken by rivals on the Channel after guiding her crew to the Fastnet Rock.

The breakthrough moment was east of Guernsey where Bonafous battled back to reclaim the top spot. It turned out to be a thrilling match race between Charal and Bonafous that came down the final miles.

Bonafous, beaming with joy upon her arrival, said: "We are so happy to be here." "We're in good shape. The end was close. It was a big victory."

Bonafous, who had only launched her boat in February, combined speed, intelligence and steel to beat some of the IMOCA's most prestigious names. Her victory was a defining moment during the race's 100th edition. She delivered a masterclass on timing and tenacity, which will be remembered for being a watershed moment in offshore sailing.

Beyou accepted second place with a smile. When the wind is constant, I believe we are faster, but when there's a light breeze, we get stuck. "It was great fun, and the race was not over until we reached the finish," said he.

"This was the classic Fastnet race. Upwind to the Rock, and then wind from behind as we headed back.

It was great to be able to do all the gybes and tacks that you wanted with a crew and race the IMOCA at 100%. It's intense as always in an IMOCA, but a little more so this time."

The IMOCA Class (International Monohull Open Class Association), a fleet 60-foot offshore racing boats, is designed to compete in some of the toughest ocean races around.

IMOCAs have a lightweight carbon construction with towering masts, and they are distinguished by the "Dali" (or "Dalis") foils which lift the hull out of the water in order to reduce drag.

The Fastnet Race is a 695 nautical mile race that starts in Cowes, England on the Isle of Wight and ends in Cherbourg. It has been a challenge to sailors for over a hundred years. (Reporting and editing by Ken Ferris; Ossian shine)

(source: Reuters)