Sizable 444-vessel armada initiates Rolex Fastnet Race, with mere 3 withdrawals recorded after the first day.
In the heart of summer, on the 26th of July, 2025, Cowes, United Kingdom, was abuzz with an air of excitement as the 100th Rolex Fastnet Race set sail. Over 3,500 competitors, including seasoned professionals and new entrants, embarked on this 695-mile offshore journey, marking a century of offshore racing tradition.
The race, with triple points and significant prestige, started under the watchful eyes of HRH The Princess Royal, who started some of the fleets. The event, revived by the Royal Ocean Racing Club and other stakeholders, aimed to restore important trophies and traditions of offshore racing, making it accessible to sailors who balance the sport with professional careers.
The diverse fleet, a testament to the race's enduring appeal, included a wide range of offshore racing yachts. The Admirals' Cup teams, a revived tradition, consisted of both large (50-foot) and smaller (40-foot) boats. This diversity of boat sizes added strategic complexity, with overall team performance, especially that of the lower placed boat, being crucial for success rather than individual brilliance alone.
Boat captain Tristan le Brun of BackJack expressed his satisfaction with the lighter forecast, stating that the boat had been relishing the conditions due to its performance in light air. Meanwhile, the IRC Zero line-up was a spectacle, with the crew on Pyewacket 70 appearing dwarfed by the melee of 100-footers.
The race conditions were hot, humid, and relatively flat, but as the boats approached Hurst Narrows and the Needles, they encountered more challenging conditions, prompting some boats to reef down. Despite this, several boats continued to maintain a strong position.
At the end of the first day, the Ultime SVR-Lazartigue led the line honours charge, with the Hong Kong-based SHK Scallywag leading for monohull line honours. The Actual Ultim 4 (ex-Gitana) was second, followed by the other two Ultimes. Tschuss 2 was also firmly in contention, and the MOD70s Argo and Zoulou were chasing hard.
In the monohull category, Charal was second and the first IMOCA, adding to the excitement and competition. The Red Arrows performed a flypast during the start of the race, adding a thrilling spectacle to the already electrifying atmosphere.
As the race continues, the centenary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race promises to be a memorable event, showcasing the spirit of collaboration, teamwork, and determination that defines offshore racing.
Boat captain Tristan le Brun of BackJack found the lighter forecast favorable for his boat, as it performed well in light air conditions. The diverse fleet of the Rolex Fastnet Race, with its mix of offshore racing yachts and Admirals' Cup teams, highlighted the strategic complexity involved, with overall team performance being essential for success beyond individual brilliance.
