Sail Racing Academy

Rolex Fastnet Race 2025

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 time it’s the 50th 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, 2021 will see the end point of the race move to Cherbourg, France, bringing this testing course up to nearly 700 nautical miles and the first major change to the course for nearly 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!

*** Rolex Fastnet Race 2025 has been confirmed to start July 26th 2025, however, the exact schedule has yet to be released. We do not believe the dates below will be altered, but please occasionally check this page as we will be updating it as soon as the full official schedule is released.

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