Tracking the Rolex Fastnet Race 2025 Centennial Celebration Guide
The 100th anniversary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), took place on the 26th of July, 2025. This prestigious offshore yacht race, with a rich history dating back to its inaugural event in 1925, attracted a record-breaking 451 entries from 34 nations, making it the largest offshore yacht race in the world[1].
A Traditional Course with Modern Challenges
The 2025 Fastnet Race started from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, followed the traditional course westward to Fastnet Rock off Ireland, and finished in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France, covering approximately 695 nautical miles[1][3]. The race, known for its challenging conditions, tested the mettle of even the most seasoned sailors.
Record-Breaking Participation
The 2025 edition saw a significant increase in participation, with notable entries including sixteen Swan yachts from the Finnish builder Nautor Swan, spanning models from classic to modern designs. This variety illustrated the race's embrace of both heritage and innovation in yacht design[1].
The Return of the Admiral's Cup
The 2025 Fastnet took place alongside the revival of the Admiral's Cup, an important international offshore sailing competition associated with the RORC, which had been inactive for over two decades[4]. The comeback of this event during the centenary celebrations added prestige and renewed competitive interest.
The Victory of Yacht Club de Monaco
In the Admiral’s Cup component of the event, Yacht Club de Monaco, making its debut since being founded in 1953, secured a narrow victory, led by Pierre Casiraghi and Peter Harrison. This victory was part of the centenary celebrations and highlighted the race's ongoing international prominence[4].
The Dominance of "Black Jack"
The 51st Fastnet Race, held in 2025, was marked by thrilling competition with "Black Jack," a maxi monohull and member of Yacht Club de Monaco, emerging as a dominant force[5].
Live Tracking for Spectators
All yachts competing in the Fastnet Race were fitted with a YB Tracker for live tracking. Viewers could follow individual boats, classes, or the entire fleet via the official race site or directly at https://cf.yb.tl/fastnet2023. Spectators on the Isle of Wight could watch the start from Cowes Green and Egypt Esplanade, while those on the mainland could view the yachts from Hurst Castle, Anvil Point, St Alban's Head, and Portland Bill[6].
A Prestigious Event with a Rich History
The Fastnet Race has evolved from a challenging offshore course to a global event combining tradition, cutting-edge yacht technology, and high-profile competition. The 2025 centenary celebration reaffirmed its place as a pinnacle event in offshore sailing[1][2][3][4][5].
Notable Events and Changes
- The finish line of the Fastnet Race moved to Cherbourg, France in 2021, adding a further 90 miles to the race[3].
- The Red Arrows flew past at noon during the start of the race[6].
- The start times for the remaining classes, from IRC 4 to the smallest, occurred between 1150 and 1320 BST[6].
- The Admiral's Cup fleet started at 1200 BST[6].
- The Fastnet Race 100th anniversary started on Saturday 26 July 2025 with the first start at 1120 BST[6].
For news, views, and updates leading up to the race, and reports during the race on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, visit the article's website[7]. The 100th anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race was a testament to the enduring appeal and prestige of this iconic offshore yacht race.
[1] Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). (2025). Rolex Fastnet Race 2025. Retrieved from https://www.rorc.org/racing/race-reports/rolex-fastnet-race [2] Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). (2025). Rolex Fastnet Race 2025 - The Centenary Race. Retrieved from https://www.rorc.org/racing/race-reports/rolex-fastnet-race-2025-the-centenary-race [3] Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). (2021). Rolex Fastnet Race 2023. Retrieved from https://www.rorc.org/racing/race-reports/rolex-fastnet-race-2023 [4] Yacht Club de Monaco. (2025). Yacht Club de Monaco wins the Admiral's Cup in the Rolex Fastnet Race 2025. Retrieved from https://www.yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/news/yacht-club-de-monaco-wins-the-admirals-cup-in-the-rolex-fastnet-race-2025/ [5] Rolex. (2025). Rolex Fastnet Race 2025 - Black Jack wins the 51st edition. Retrieved from https://www.rolex.com/en-gb/watches/yacht-master/sailing/rolex-fastnet-race-2025 [6] Rolex Fastnet Race. (2025). Race Information. Retrieved from https://cf.yb.tl/fastnet2023 [7] Rolex Fastnet Race. (2025). News, views, and updates. Retrieved from https://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/news/
Sports enthusiasts and sailing aficionados worldwide were thrilled by the record-breaking participation in the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, as the event attracted 451 entries from 34 nations, making it the largest offshore yacht race in the world. This prestigious offshore yacht race, with a rich history dating back to its inaugural event in 1925, saw several notable sports events, including the return of the Admiral's Cup, an important international offshore sailing competition.
