The countdown is on. With fewer than two months remaining until the start of the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, the global offshore sailing community is abuzz with anticipation—not only for one of the most iconic races in the sport, but for a historic edition that coincides with the centenary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).
This year’s race, set to depart from Cowes on 26 July, sees the fleet once again head out into the challenging North Atlantic, rounding the legendary Fastnet Rock before finishing in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France. And if early registration numbers hold, 2025 could mark a new record: 464 yachts entered as of early June, already eclipsing the 430 starters of the 50th edition in 2023. Of those, an unprecedented 407 are IRC-rated boats, highlighting the Rolex Fastnet as not only the largest offshore race globally, but also the premier event for IRC competition.
A Global Gathering of Sailors
Entrants hail from 33 countries, with crews representing an even broader 41 nationalities—from France and the UK to far-flung nations like Brazil, Kazakhstan, French Polynesia, and Zimbabwe. The age of competitors spans from 14 to 81, underscoring the inclusiveness and generational reach of the Fastnet spirit.
Among the most thrilling developments this year is the long-awaited revival of the Admiral’s Cup, taking place for the first time since 2003. This prestigious team racing series, part of RORC’s centenary celebrations, begins with the Channel Race on 19 July and concludes with the Fastnet. 15 yacht clubs from as far as New Zealand and Australia will compete in two-boat teams, featuring elite sailors from the America’s Cup, Vendée Globe, and Olympic Games.
Who to Watch on the Water
The Fastnet Challenge Cup, awarded to the overall IRC winner, is the prize everyone has their eye on. It could go to any class of yacht—past winners have ranged from compact 30-footers to turbocharged VO70s. In 2025, the fastest contenders include:
- SHK Scallywag (IRC TCC 1.950) – Seng Huang Lee’s 100-footer.
- Black Jack 100 (1.947) – Owned by Remon Vos.
- Leopard 3 – A past line honours winner.
- Pyewacket 70 – Roy Disney’s heavily modified VO70.
- Tschüss 2 – Christian Zugel’s aggressive offshore racer.
But don’t discount the IRC Four entries—smaller boats like the Contessa 32 Musketeer II (0.860) or the bright yellow Westerly Fulmar 32 Fulmar Fever, skippered by Robert Marchant with his team from the Dunmore East Sea School. The IRC system is famously democratic: the race can be won by any well-sailed boat, regardless of size.
One-Design Showdowns
Beyond the race for overall honours, the Fastnet is known for its fierce one-design rivalries. This year sees a bumper fleet of:
- 18 x JPK 1010s
- 17 x JPK 1030s
- 17 x First 40s
- 16 x Sun Fast 3600s/3200s
- 15 x Sun Fast 3300s
- 10 x J/109s
These battles within the fleet offer some of the closest and most tactical racing offshore.
The Pros Are Back
Outside the IRC fleet, the professional classes bring serious speed. Among them:
- Ultim 32/23 multihulls like Banque Populaire XI, skippered by Armel Le Cléac’h, and Sodebo with Thomas Coville.
- IMOCA 60s, including Charal (Jérémie Beyou) and Teamwork-Team SNEF (Justine Mettraux).
- MOD70 trimarans Argo and Zoulou in MOCRA class.
- Ocean 50s, with five entries.
- A healthy turnout of 21 Class40s, continuing to grow in prestige and competitiveness.
A Fitting Celebration of 100 Years
“The 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race will not only mark a century of the RORC, but may also become the largest offshore yacht race ever held,” said RORC CEO Jeremy Wilton. “The scale, diversity and ambition of this year’s event reflect everything the club has stood for over the past 100 years—excellence, inclusivity and the thrill of offshore adventure.”
Whether you’re a seasoned offshore veteran or a passionate spectator, this year’s race promises drama, glory, and global camaraderie on a scale the sport rarely sees.
🗓️ Start Date: 26 July 2025
📍 Start: Cowes, UK
📍 Finish: Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France
🌐 More info & entry list: rolexfastnetrace.com
