Rolex Fastnet Race: A First Class Act
Find out why this is one of the most daring and demanding yacht races in the world.
Rolex Fastnet Race 2025: A Centenary Celebration
This year, the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race was a special edition marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). It is the world's largest offshore yacht race, renowned for its broad appeal to participants of all levels, from novices to old salts and seasoned professionals.
The race attracts family cruisers, sailing schools, ‘pay to play’ boats, competitive amateur IRC teams, professional teams, and notable French classes, including Class40, IMOCA, and Ultim. Among them, the French trimaran SVR Lazartigue, skippered by Francois Gabart in 2023. SVR Lazartigue is a foiling trimaran built for solo, nonstop around-the-world sailing finished first overall, setting the record in 1 day, 17 hours, 18 minutes, and 4 seconds.
I've always wondered whether the winner of the race does in fact win a Rolex, and the answer is yes, they win a Rolex Yacht-Master Chronometer, in addition to the Fastnet Challenge Cup.
Above: SVR LAZARTIGUE, Sail n: 1, Design: ULTIM, Skipper: Tom Laperche. Image via Rolex Fastnet Race.
Since its inception, the Fastnet Race has propelled the growth of offshore racing, and continues to influence and shape advances in yacht design, sailing technique and safety equipment.
Rolex Fastnet Race 2025 dates
The challenging offshore race is sponsored by the Swiss watch company Rolex. This year, the centenary event took place on 26th July 2025. Although it is not the longest offshore race, it is unpredictable and arguably one of the most challenging. But the lure of the beautiful Irish wild water draws thousands of participants to the race every year. Yachtsmen face infamous headlands and tidal gates such as St Albans Head, Portland Bill, The Lizard, and Land’s End, as well as prevailing south-westerly winds and treacherous Celtic Sea gales. Skippers must think tactically in these conditions, making sail choice a crucial factor. The race is notorious for pushing crews' physical and mental endurance to the limit. Since it is a long race, it enables those entrants running behind time to catch up. Keeping the morale up and constant pushing is vital, even if you know you're slow, because it will pay off in the end.
TEASING MACHINE, Sail no: FRA8668, Design: Teasing 52, Class: IRC - Admirals Cup 1, Skippers: Eric De Turckheim. Image via Rolex/Kurt Arrigo.
Rolex Fastnet race course 2025
The 695-nautical-mile Rolex Fastnet Race starts off the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes. From Cowes, the fleet sails out of the Solent and along England's southern coastline, heading west down the English Channel before rounding Land's End. After crossing the Celtic Sea, competitors reach Fastnet Rock off Ireland's southwest coast. The return route retraces much of the outbound leg, rounding the Isles of Scilly, a small archipelago off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England before finishing at Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.
Rolex Fastnet Race Course Map
Above: RFR course map. Image via Rolex Fastnet Race.
BEAU IDEAL sailing away from the Fastnet Rock, Sail no: IVB2047, Design: Fast 40, Class: IRC - Admirals Cup 2, Skippers: Christopher Cowan.Image via Kurt Arrigo.
The Fastnet Rock: Disasters, Myths and Legends
Sailors fear the Fastnet Rock due to its treacherous location, unpredictable weather, and a history of tragic accidents, particularly during the Fastnet Race. The rock, situated off the coast of Ireland, is a notorious turning point in the race. Its exposed position makes it a magnet for storms and strong currents. In 1979 it was the scene of the greatest disaster in ocean racing history; five boats were lost and believed to have sunk, 15 sailors drowned and three of the brave rescuers also lost their lives. Health and safety has improved since the tragedy of 1979 and much has changed to ensure that participants take part safely to avoid such fatalities.
Also, in 1985, a ginormous rogue wave, estimated to be 157 feet high, struck the lighthouse, causing damage to the lighting room, demonstrating the power of the sea.
How long does the Fastnet Race take?
Typically, the fastest boats in the fleet return within a couple of days.
Slower leisure boats approach the race as a marathon, not a sprint, and it can take between 5 and 7 days to complete, depending on the conditions.
From small beginnings: the original pioneers of the race
Only seven yachts competed in the 1925 Ocean Race, ranging from pilot cutter-type designs to seaworthy craft. The largest, Jolie Brise, was 56ft long and was the most modern for its time. Built in Le Havre as a pilot cutter, it was already 12 years old when it entered the history books by winning that first pioneering race. Owner and Commander EG Martin announced the formation of the Ocean Racing Club at a post-race dinner at the Royal Western Yacht Club on Plymouth Hoe. Seven years later, the club received its royal warrant from King George V. The prestigious Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), based in the UK, organizes offshore yacht races around the world, including the Rolex Fastnet Race.
The French pave the way in 2025
In the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, the overall winner in the IRC Overall category was the French boat JPK 1050 Léon, skippered by Alexis Loison and Jean-Pierre Kelbert. Bravo!
French sailors are widely recognized for their sailing prowess, particularly in offshore sailing races, including solo and long-distance competitions. In France, there is a deep-seated cultural connection to sailing, rooted in the country's coastal geography and maritime heritage.
It is no surprise that many of the best boat brands are French. Several prominent French brands, such as Beneteau and Jeanneau, are highly regarded in the yachting industry and known for their high quality and innovation.
LEON, Sail n: FRA53524, Design: JPK 10.50, Skipper: Alexis Loison
Overall Winner Presentation Alexis Loison, skipper of LEON holding the Fastnet Challenge Cup. Sail n: FRA53524, Design: JPK 10.50. Image via Carlo Borlenghi.
FAQs
How Far is the Rolex Fastnet Course?
The Fastnet race is a 695 nautical mile course.
How many people died in the Fastnet disaster?
A severe European windstorm during the 1979 race resulted in the deaths of 21 people (15 competing yachtsmen and 6 observers) and the involvement of some 4,000 others in what became the largest-ever rescue operation in peacetime.
What does Fastnet mean?
The word Fastnet probably comes from Old Norse for 'sharp-tooth isle'. Both descriptions are apt for the isolated outcrop that is the southernmost point of Ireland. It sits 19 km (10 nautical miles) from Baltimore and 7 km (4 miles) off Cape Clear.
How many people enter the Fastnet Race?
Participation has continued to grow, and this year 444 boats entered the race this year, up from .
How Did the Rolex Fastnet Race Begin?
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) was founded as a direct result of the first Fastnet Race in 1925. The race, which was the creation of a group including Lieutenant Commander E.G. Martin, was organized and subsequently run by the RORC. Therefore, the Rolex Fastnet Race is not only the RORC's flagship event but also the race that gave rise to the club itself.
