Fastnet yacht runs faster with space technology   Marc Thiercelin in his Open-60 Pro-Form yacht while racing in 'The Transat' 24 May 2004. The 2800 nautical miles 'The Transat 2004' from Plymouth, UK, to Boston, USA, is the classic solo east-west transatlantic race, and having a reputation as the toughest solo North Atlantic race in the world.   The 283 boats departing Sunday morning 7 August in the 608-miles Rolex Fastnet Race from Cowes to Plymouth, via the Fastnet Rock off the southern tip of Ireland. ESA technology helps Pro-Form perform     Marc Thiercelin's Pro-Form yacht boasts lighter batteries, more efficient solar cells and an advanced energy management system - all spin-offs from Europe's space programmes.   The classical 608-mile Fastnet Race runs from Cowes on the south coast of England to the Fastnet Rock off the southern tip of Ireland and back to Plymouth, England. Excluding the War years, this event has taken place every other year since 1925, and has long been established as one of the major ocean classics.   Fastnet Rock off the southern tip of Ireland   Marc Thiercelin, 45, has already completed two Vendée Globe races plus the ‘Around Alone’ race. He has sailed over 470 000 km of the world's oceans and is a very experienced yachtsmen. Release date: 20 October 2005