Rolex Fastnet Race
The Rolex Fastnet Race is the most popular 600+ mile offshore race in the world and alongside the Rolex Sydney Hobart and the Rolex Middle Sea Race, it is one of the most prestigious and challenging races available for offshore sailors.
Known for its challenging conditions, the 695 nm route starts at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, England, the course runs westward down the English Channel, along the southern coast of England, past Land’s End, across the Irish Sea to the Fastnet Rock off the southern tip of Ireland, then back to the Channel and finishes at Cherbourg, France.
Founded in 1925, the Rolex Fastnet Race is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. Since the first Fastnet race in 1925, when just 7 yachts competed, this biennial offshore race has provided sailors with the ultimate challenge of crossing the Irish Sea to the Fastnet Rock and back.
From these small roots, now in its 100th year, more than 450 yachts are expected on the start line from 30ft club races to 100ft+ maxi. It attracts some of the world’s best racing yachts and crews to corinthian sailors wanting to take part in what has become a true bucket list race.
Schedule
Saturday – First warning signal
Friday – Main prize-giving and presentation
Setting sail from Cowes on Saturday 22nd July 2023 will be the 50th edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race.
For a second consecutive occasion, this will finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin via a 695 nautical mile course via the Fastnet Rock. Because this is a special edition, complete with celebrations taking place on both sides of the Channel prior to the start and at the finish, it is expected to attract a record-sized fleet.
To qualify you need to race over 300nm in the 12 months prior to the start with your crew. LV Yachting welcomes crew with mixed experiences levels as the training weekends and the RORC cross-Channel races are great opportunities to get familiar with the yachts and racing manoeuvres.
For more information about competing in the Rolex Fastnet Race either on a whole boat charter or booking an individual berth, contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions and give you more information.
RORC’s series of Qualifying Races:
- Cervantes Trophy Race – Cowes – Le Havre
- De Guingand Bowl – Cowes – Around Marks
- North Sea Race – Harwich – Scheveningen
- Myth of Malham Race – Cowes – Eddystone – Solent
- Morgan Cup – Cowes – Dartmouth
- La Trinité Cowes Race – La Trinité – Cowes
- Cowes-Dinard-St Malo Race – Cowes – St Malo
- Channel Race – Around Marks
- Cherbourg Race – Cowes – Cherbourg
