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Crew Space on First 40 – Jazz for Rolex Fastnet Race 2027

Cost

£5,100

Event dates

24th Jul 2027 - 30th Jul 2027

What's included

The prices includes Professional Skipper, 3 qualifying races, all boat and race costs, berth onboard, lifejacket on board, team t-shirt and hat, food when racing and training. Additional costs include flights, transfers, food ashore and personal insurance.
A Personal MOB AIS beacon is mandatory although not included in the price but can be hired.

What to expect

During this race, you’ll have the opportunity to build real, hands-on experience across all key roles on board a 40-foot performance yacht — from helming and navigation to sail trimming and foredeck work.

This is a proper offshore racing experience, where you step outside your comfort zone and get a genuine feel for life at sea — with simple race yacht accommodation and practical onboard living as part of the challenge.

Whether you’re relatively new to sailing or already experienced, this is a chance to push your limits, develop your racing skills, and become part of a focused, high-performing crew. The result of this race will depend on each crew member!

Itinerary

May 2027 – Qualifying Race 1 – RORC Myth of Malham (230 NM)
June 2027 – Qualifying Race 2 – RORC Morgan Cup (150 NM)
July 2027 – Qualifying Race 3 (Reserve) – RORC Cowes-Dinard-St Malo (150NM)

Fastnet Schedule:
22nd July – Training Day 1 & Race Preparation
23rd July – Training Day 2 & Race Preparation
24th July Rolex Fastnet Race start, Cowes, UK
~31st July expected finish in Cherbourg, France
~1st August – Return sail to Gosport, UK (~70NM)

Crew information

Owner/Skipper Afanasy is a highly experienced offshore sailor, having completed more than 150,000nm. Afanasy has extensive experience in ocean crossing and racing with amateur crew and is a commercially endorsed yacht master offshore.

He used to own a 80′ maxi, which he skippered around the world, including 2 Caribbean and a Mediterranean season, the Cape Town to Rio race, the Transpac and the Sydney Hobart. Onboard Rock’n’Roll Afanasy has competed in 3 Rolex Fastnet Races, the RORC TransAtlantic, RORC Caribbean 600 and many other local races.

Prerequisite experience

The minimum experience requirements for the race are 300 nautical miles of offshore racing or equivalent passage(s). The experience requirement shall be completed by a minimum of 30% of the crew (but no fewer than two) including the Person in Charge, and within 18 months of the start of the race. Completion of at least one of the qualifying races is required.

Where

The race starts off the Royal Yacht Squadron start line of Cowes on the Isle of Wight on the south coast of England. Leaving The Solent through The Needles Channel, the race follows the southern coastline of England westward down the English Channel, before rounding Land’s End. After crossing the Celtic Sea, the race rounds the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland. Returning on a largely reciprocal course, the race rounds the Isles of Scilly before finishing at Cherbourg.

Accommodation

Coming soon!

Crew Space on First 40 – Jazz for Rolex Fastnet Race 2027

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BOOK MY SPACE
The Rolex Fastnet Race is the most popular 600+ mile offshore race in the world. Known for its challenging conditions, the 695 nm route starts off Cowes and takes the fleet across the Irish Sea to the Fastnet Rock and.... read more
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Rolex Fastnet Race

First 40 – Jazz

The Beneteau First 40 is a yacht that many would describe as the ultimate racer/cruiser. With its uncluttered deck layout, spacious cockpit and well fitted out interior, the First 40 offers you not just speed but comfort. The First 40 has proved itself over the years but notching up impressive race results and is a firm favourite for those looking...
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