One of sailing’s most classic and prestigious events, Fastnet is known as one of the most demanding off shore races to be held in British waters and this year marks the 102nd Anniversary. Taking place every two years, it pits the best racing sailors against each other in some of the trickiest sailing conditions imaginable.
First conceived way back in 1925 as a 608 nm challenge ending in Plymouth, the Rolex Fastnet Race underwent its most significant course change in nearly a century in 2021, when the finish line moved to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France. This extended the course to approximately 695 nautical miles and marked the first major alteration to the race route in almost 100 years.
Seen by many veterans as a number of smaller races encompassed by one big race it has played a large role in the growth of offshore racing and it certainly will put all of your skills to the test.
Starting from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, around 300 boats pass the Needles, heading along the southern coast of England towards the Lizard then around the tip of Land’s End. From there it’s north through Celtic Sea waters towards the Fastnet Rock on the southern tip of Ireland. Once around the Rock, it’s back south wards, round the Scilly Isles then south east across the English Channel towards Cherbourg. During this time, sailors can face strong tidal flows, Traffic Separation Schemes and changeable weather, from gales to light winds, in their bid to win the race. Be prepared for anything, as this race will generally throw it all at you!
Crew will join the boat in Hamble, UK for last minute training and prepping the boat before the race.
There are two options for disembarking: either crew can leave in Cherbourg after the race and celebrations, or they can sail the boat back to Hamble and alight there.
Rolex Fastnet Race Date: 26th July 2027 – 1110H
We’ve been racing Escapado since 2018. Over the years, we’ve optimised her to be safer and more competitive. With a fantastic sail wardrobe, she’s a strong performer and proved her prowess by winning the ARC Racing Division in 2022.
The minimum experience requirement is 300 nautical miles of RORC offshore racing completed on the boat entered into the race. At least 50% of the crew, including the Person in Charge, must fulfil this requirement within 12 months of the Rolex Fastnet Race start date. To achieve this, we plan to participate in the Qualifying Races listed below and have scheduled two race training weekends. Please note that one of these training weekends may be adjusted to a long-distance offshore mile-builder if weather conditions prevent us from completing the 300nm requirement during the qualifying races.
The cost of these events is included in your race package for Fastnet. Although you are not required to participate in all of these events, we do suggest doing as many as possible. Please let us know which events you plan to participate in.
Please note that dates are subject to change and the itinerary below is based off previous years.
Please note that dates are subject to change and the itinerary below is based off previous years.
Optional Crew Dinner at a local restaurant in Hamble. We will not be able to accommodate everyone on board this evening, so we suggest finding a local accommodation if you have it within your budget. Alternatively, you can arrive on the morning of the 26th. Please keep in mind the race start time has not been announced yet, but we expect to depart Hamble around 7:00.
One of sailing’s most classic and prestigious events, Fastnet is known as one of the most demanding off shore races to be held in British waters. Taking place every two years, it pits the best racing sailors against each other in some of the trickiest sailing conditions imaginable.
Before setting off, everyone will also take part in cleaning and organising the boat to ensure she is ready for the journey ahead.
Please note that due to the slight overlap with Rolex Fastnet and Cowes Week, one of our boats will be departing straight away for the Isle of Wight and will not be staying for prize giving. We encourage you to book a local accommodation if you would like to stay for the celebration.
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.
Please check out of FAQ page and find specific answers to common questions for this race program below.
My favourite part was the the race in general, but also working together with different people all with different levels of sailing. Personally, I found it fantastic that there was no distinction made because I have a disability myself. The whole crew was 100% committed to finishing in a good time. For that, I want to sincerely thank the entire group from Sao Jorge once again for the good collaboration and especially I want to thank our skipper Simon!
My favourite part was that we had a brilliant crew that had a blend of experience and areas of contribution, and Germane was really good at bringing the team together to get the best out of us.
Fastnet 21 was a special event for me, for many reasons. Germaine and the team at SRA, completely understood the importance to me, and made the experience one I will always remember.
A well equipped boat, great safety kit, training and support, first class.
If you want to do some serious offshore sailing, I can recommend the Sail Racing Academy wholeheartedly.