Race Overview

Founded in 1925, the Rolex Fastnet Race is a biennial offshore yacht race organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). The race is named after the iconic ‘Fastnet Rock’, an isolated outcrop that sits approximately 30m (90ft) above the low water mark, topped by the 54m (177ft) tall Fastnet Lighthouse. This impressive landmark serves as the rounding point for the race before competitors make their way back to the finish point.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, the Rolex Fastnet Race is considered to be one the world’s biggest offshore race, with over 400 yachts competing in 2023. The ‘Fastnet’ is testing of both inshore and offshore skills, boat and crew preparation and following the popularity and success of the Rolex Fastnet Race for Clipper Events in 2023, we will once again be entering our fleet of Clipper 68′ race yachts into the 2025 edition, offering guests an incredible opportunity to participate in this iconic and historic event.

Included as part of your race campaign, you will be required take part in two qualifying races in the lead up to the Rolex Fastnet Race. These races are:

Myth of Malham – 23-27 May 2025
– approx. 235NM

Cowes-Dinard-St Malo – 10-14 July 2025
– approx. 151NM

You will also complete three shore-based training courses as part of your race campaign. These are the RYA First Aid course, RYA/ISAF World Sailing Offshore Safety course and the RYA Sea Survival course. These courses are one day each and will be run over various weekends in the lead up to the Rolex Fastnet Race 2025.

Scroll down for more information regarding inclusions and dates.

The final details for this event are yet to be confirmed so please do check back regularly for updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or you can contact us on +44 (0)2393 382848, complete an online enquiry form or email [email protected].

  • Join as crew for one of the world's most iconic races
  • Sail on board a Clipper 68ft race yacht
  • Experience exhilarating racing and variable conditions
  • Rounding the Fastnet rock will stay with you forever

AT A GLANCE

  • Rolex Fastnet 2025 Race Entry
  • Two RORC Qualifying Races
  • RYA Sea Survival Course
  • ISAF Offshore Safety Course
  • RYA First Aid Course
  • Musto Team Kit Package
  • Race on a Clipper 68 yacht

£TBC pp

Itinerary

Please note this itinerary is indicative and correct at the time of posting and liable to change at any moment. If you have any questions surrounding the event and listed itinerary do get in touch with a member of the team.

Mandatory shore-based training weekends at Hamble School of Yachting which includes the following courses:

RYA Sea Survival Course
ISAF Offshore Safety Course
RYA First Aid

Availability for these courses will be communicated to you following booking.

RORC Qualifying Race 1 – Myth of Malham:
Cowes > Eddystone Lighthouse > Cowes
Aprox. 235NM

Dates & timings may be subject to change:

23 May 2025                 AM arrive at Clipper Events HQ, Gosport. Safety brief and training day on the Solent
24 May 2025                 Myth of Malham Race Start (start time TBC) – non-stop race around the Eddystone Lighthouse (south of Plymouth)
26 May 2025                 Expected Race Finish in Cowes – transit to Clipper Events HQ, Gosport.
27 May 2025                 Deep clean, PM guest depart

RORC Qualifying Race 2 – Cowes-Dinard-St Malo:
Cowes > St Malo
Aprox. 151NM

Dates & timings may be subject to change:

10 July 2025                AM arrive at Clipper Events HQ, Gosport. Safety brief and training day on the Solent
11 July 2025                 Cowes-Dinard-St Malo Race Start (start time TBC)
12/13 July 2025          Expected Race Finish in St Malo – overnight on-board in St Malo
13 July 2025                 Return sail from St Malo to Gosport
14 July 2025                 Deep clean, PM guest depart

Rolex Fastnet Race 2025:
Cowes > Fastnet Rock > Cherbourg
Aprox. 695NM

Dates & timings may be subject to change:

25 July 2025                 AM arrive at Clipper Events HQ, Gosport. Safety brief and training day on the Solent
26 July 2025                 AM transit to Cowes for Race Start (start time TBC)
31 July/1 Aug 2025    Expected Race Finish in Cherbourg, France.
01/02 Aug 2025           Prizegiving. PM Depart Cherbourg for return sail to Gosport
03 Aug 2025                  Return to Clipper Events HQ, deep clean and guest depart (PM).

What’s Included

This event includes the following items. If you would like further clarity on event inclusions please contact us.

  • Shorebased training courses, two qualifying races, Fastnet race entry fees, berthing and insurance
  • Professional Race Skipper, First Mate and Second Mate
  • Musto Technical Team Jacket and Polo to keep, and use of Musto BR2 offshore jacket and salopettes
  • All on board safety equipment including lifejacket
  • Food, soft drinks and berth whilst on board whilst participating in practical events

Who Can Enter

In order to take part in some sailing race events additional training and qualification events may need to be completed. Please make sure you meet the criteria listed within this section or contact the team for further information.

  • Open to everyone who has completed Clipper Race training or has some level of sailing experience
  • Non certificated recent sailing experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • For those who have no, or limited experience Clipper Race training Level 1 may need to be completed at an additional cost of £1,300
  • Over 18s only