Largest Offshore Sailing Competition Approaching – Key participants to keep an eye on in the impressive lineup of the Rolex Fastnet Race
The sailing world is abuzz with anticipation as the 51st edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race approaches. Scheduled to start on Saturday, 26 July, the race will see over 3,500 sailors from 14 to 81 years old participating, making it one of the most diverse and exciting offshore races in recent history.
With a staggering entry list of 451 yachts, this year's race is set to break previous records. The IMOCA class, in particular, is shaping up to be a fierce battlefield, with Yoann Richomme aboard Paprec Arkéa and Association Petits Princes-Queguiner, which only launched in February, being hotly fancied. Britain's Sam Davies will also be representing the IMOCA class on board Initiatives-Coeur 4.
Other notable contenders include Sam Davies on Intiatives Couer, Jérémie Beyou with Charal 2, Justine Mettraux with SNEF Teamwork, and Pip Hare with Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive. Pip Hare, a regular contributor to our website, is an experienced offshore racer and will be a formidable competitor.
Scott Shawyer, who is building up to a 2028 Vendée Globe campaign, will be racing with Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive. Pete Burling, an America's Cup winning helmsman, will be onboard SVR-Lazartigue.
The race will start from Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, UK, and end in Cherbourg, France, covering a distance of 695 miles. The course includes the Fastnet Rock off Ireland. The Ultime fleet, including SVR-Lazartigue, which holds the course record, will start first on Saturday at 1120.
The race will feature a variety of yachts, from 30-foot keelboats to 105-foot Ultim foiling trimarans. Notable among these are the famous maxi Kialoa II, 1961 line honours winner Stormvogel, and the Nielsen-designed Hound, built in 1970.
Over 380 IRC entries have been made for the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, along with 24 Class 40s. The Royal Irish YC team is currently lying 12th overall, with Sunrise IV and Privateer as their boats. Three 100-foot yachts are part of the fleet: Black Jack, SHK Scallywag, and Leopard.
The WallyRocket 51 is the lead boat in the big boat class for the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race. The event also features impressive teams from around the world, including Olympic champions, America's Cup winners, and new boats optimized for this prestigious offshore race.
With such a diverse and competitive field, the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the best of offshore sailing. Stay tuned for updates as the race unfolds!
[1] Rolex Fastnet Race 2021: Alexis Loison and Jean-Pierre Kelbert win overall in record fleet - Sailing Today [2] Rolex Fastnet Race 2021: Record-breaking edition celebrated - Yachting World [3] Rolex Fastnet Race 2021: High-profile round-the-world racers compete - Sail-World [4] Rolex Fastnet Race 2021: Centenary edition marks high professionalism and commitment - Afloat.ie
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, with a diverse range of sailors and yachts set to participate, creating one of the most exciting offshore races in recent history. The IMOCA class, in particular, will showcase fierce competition, as sailors like Yoann Richomme, Sam Davies, Jerémie Beyou, Justine Mettraux, and Pip Hare battle for the top spot. This biennial event, known for its challenging course and prestige, promises to deliver another thrilling display of offshore sailing.
