The Fastnet Race Disaster, 13-15 August 1979. The St Ives Lifeboat ('The Frank Penfold Marshall') tows a stricken yacht into St Ives during the resue operation. Storms wreaked havoc on the yachts taking part in the biennial race, resulting in 15 people losing their lives. The emergency response from official coastguard and civilian naval vessels, lifeboats and helicopters was the largest rescue operation since World War Two.