Introducing the Rolex Fastnet Race 2025 Skippers
Renowned as one of the most tough and tactically challenging offshore races, the Rolex Fastnet Race returns this summer, and there’s some familiar faces set to lead the way for the Clipper Events fleet.
For this edition, five Clipper 68 yachts will take on two qualifying races, followed by the 695 nautical mile route, joining the largest fleet of racing boats to take part in an offshore race. Heading off from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line off Cowes, Isle of Wight, the route will take teams out into the Solent, through The Needles, rounding Land’s End and headed to the southwest coast of Ireland and the infamous Fastnet rock. It’s then back on a reciprocal route, rounding the Isles of Scilly and crossing the finish line off Cherbourg, France.
It also set to be super celebration, as the race marks its 100th year anniversary – seeing the addition of the Admiral’s Cup during the race run up and a weekend of events once the finish line has been crossed.
Taking the lead with the Clipper Events crew set to race this iconic event this year are…
Dan Bodey
Having taken a break from his civil engineering career to sail around the world in 2019, Dan fell in love with competitive ocean racing, and decided he wanted to make a profession out of his passion. He’s since led UNICEF to fourth place on the last edition of the Clipper Race and loves to help others achieve their goals. In addition to this you will often find Dan at the Clipper Training HQ, skipper training courses for the next edition of the Clipper Race.
Ineke Van der Weijden
International consultant turned round the world race skipper; Dutchwoman Ineke has just led her team to second place over all in the last edition of the Clipper Race. With over 100,000nm logged, (including many with Clipper Events), she’s a highly experienced offshore sailor and looking forward to getting back into the familiar waters for the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Harry Taylor-Lepercq
A former Merchant Navy Navigation Officer, Harry has sailed across every ocean and stepped on every continent. Having spent five seasons in the Southern Ocean, he is more than ready for what the Fastnet can throw at him! Having spent the 2023 season as a Clipper Race Training Skipper and overseeing crews for both Round the Island and the Knox-Johnston Cup, Harry has become a regular at our HQ in Gosport. In his spare time, Harry is often studying Astronomy or riding a motorcycle.
Nigel Parry
As an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, Nigel is an accomplished offshore sailor, skipper and instructor. As well as working all over the world he has been an integral Clipper Race Training Skipper since 2013, renowned with Clipper Race crew – having trained a crew member on almost every team in the past five editions. He has also served as a skipper for our expedition sailing brand, SKIRR Adventures, and having skippered a Clipper Events crew in the Fastnet Race in 2023, has unfinished business to settle in 2025!
Nick Graham
A passionate sailor, Nick has spent his entire life on the water, honing his skills in the Pacific Northwest, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean to name a few. As a full-time sailing instructor, Nick is dedicated to sharing his love for the sport and mentoring sailors of all levels. After completing Fastnet with Clipper Events in 2023, Nick is also looking forward to another exciting campaign this year.
Want to join us as crew for this special centenary edition of one of the world’s most iconic races?
We still have a few spaces remaining, so now is your chance!
Open to everyone over the age of 18 who has either completed Clipper Race training, has a relevant RYA qualification or has some level of sailing experience, crew spaces on board include all shore-based training courses, entry to the two qualifying races, Rolex Fastnet Race entry fees, on-board food, accommodation and insurance.
Qualifying races begin on 23 May and the Rolex Fastnet Race takes place from 25 July – 03 August.
Find out more about the Clipper Events Rolex Fastnet Race campaign here.
