Rolex Fastnet Race 2021
The Fastnet Race is one of the world’s most famous offshore yacht races organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club of the United Kingdom. The race is normally happening in August. Dates for 2021 have to be confirmed.
Generally considered one of the classic offshore races, ‘Fastnet’ is a difficult contest testing both inshore and offshore skills, boat & crew preparation and speed potential. From its inception, the Fastnet Race has proven highly influential in the growth of offshore racing, and remains closely linked to advances in yacht design, sailing technique and safety equipment.
The Fastnet Race takes place every two years over a course of 695 nautical miles from Cowes, Fastnet Rock, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. The race has a huge worldwide following and has seen continued growth over recent years, with the limit of 300 boats having to be increased to over 340 due to high demand.
The Fastnet is a challenging race; as it takes place in August, the race is often dominated with a Westerly airstream that are often strong to gale force in strength. For the Open 60, Volvo 60 and 70’s this race is a perfect match between their strong offshore potential performance and the safety margin offered by the close proximity of land throughout much of this race. For new sailors and those with many years under their belt, the Fastnet offers a high degree of challenge and the excitement of being involved in a major offshore event.
Program Rolex Fastnet Race 2021
2021 dates to be confirmed
- Saturday, August: Start of the Race in Cowes
- Thursday, August: Prize giving in Cherbourg
Rolex Fastnet Race 2019 – Highlights
Qualification and Suitability
The Rolex Fastnet Race is not a race for novices. You, your crew, and your boat must be prepared for severe weather, large and confused seas, and strong winds. Whilst the RORC welcomes first-time competitors to this race, they emphasise that proper preparation, planning and training is essential. This is reflected in the criteria which apply to every entrant:
Crew Qualification Overview
- At least 50% of the crew (but not less than two) including the Person in Charge, must have completed a minimum of 300 miles of offshore racing together, within 12 months of the start of the race on the boat that is entered
- At least 30% of the boat’s crew (but not less than 2), including the Person in Charge, must have completed training to Section 6 of the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations within 5 years of the start of the race
- Minimum of 1 member of the boat’s crew must hold a in-date First Aid Certificate completed within the last five years. Please note that some first aid certificates only have a validity of three years.
Experience and Mileage on the boat that has entered
The RORC stipulates a minimum experience requirement of 300 miles of RORC offshore racing, completed by 50% of the crew (but not less than two) including the Person in Charge within 12 months of the start. An offshore race is considered to be of more than 75 miles and at least one night at sea. To fulfil this requirement the Competitor shall enter and complete an appropriate number of RORC races before the start of the race.
Qualifying with the RORC series
The 300 miles of offshore racing should be completed within the RORC’s series of races, within 12 month of the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race. The RORC series consists of nine offshore weekend races, typically of 100-150 miles in a variety of locations. Six races start in the Solent and race in the English Channel, two are based in the North Sea with starts from Harwich and Burnham on Crouch, and there is an opportunity to race in the Irish Sea as well. The RORC Provisional 2019 Programme can be viewed here and further details can be found in the Notice of Race.
There are many advantages from doing your qualifying miles within the RORC race programme, not least because you get a chance to size up the competition. Some of the RORC races cover parts of the Rolex Fastnet Race course and you can practise starts from the Royal Yacht Squadron’s line. You also become familiar with the layout of the Sailing Instructions, Start Sequence and other RORC procedures and paperwork.
When it is not reasonably possible to access RORC races, or in exceptional circumstances, an alternative method for qualification may be agreed by the RORC. A Service Yacht may qualify similarly or submit written authority from her service establishment. Proposals should be lodged with the RORC as soon as possible after entry.
Read the guide for entrants here
Rolex Fastnet Race 2021 Package Open 60 Falcon
5-7 days
We will complete two days solid safety training before this event to ensure that everyone has the skills necessary to enjoy a fun, safe event.
695 nm
This is one of the famous 600Nm RORC races- you can collect many of the set with Falcon such as the Caribbean 600, Rolex Middle Sea Race
What is included?
- Professional skipper and mate
- Food while on the boat
- Accommodation on the boat once training has begun
- 3 days of training including safety training prior to the event
- Crew shirt to wear onboard & keep
- Entry and Dockage fees
- Safety gear
- Diesel
- Damage waiver
Just bring your boots and waterproofs and you are good to go.
- The skipper of Falcon gives you the opportunity to sail on a 60ft, 25kt+ capable, pro race boat in some of the world’s most prestigious regattas or on one of a number of ‘bucket list’ ocean crossing voyages.
- You become an active member of our crew- not a passenger. You will assist with helming, sail trimming and all the normal duties of a crew member whilst having the opportunity to learn about weather routing, navigation, race tactics & short-handed sailing techniques from a highly experienced skipper and mate.
- We provide the boat, a highly-skilled professional crew, full safety training and total support throughout the voyage. So you have a great time whilst making either an HR objective or personal dream a reality.
- Your skipper and mate are going to be there for your entire experience with us and will help you through every aspect of the adventure. From learning about all the safety equipment present onboard right through to what to wear and what to pack- we can help you navigate the whole process. Find out more
Package Volvo 70 Kraken
Date: Aug 2021, dates have to be confirmed
Location: Portsmouth, UK
Price: £4800 (Per Berth)
Meet at Kraken’s home port, Gunwharf Quays before travelling to the start at the Yacht Squadron, off Cowes.
Kraken is a stripped-out racing boat with very few luxuries, so please expect high side hot bunking, freeze-dried food – as the galley consists of a sink and 1 camping stove for boiling water and a very exciting gimbled heads!
On Kraken we like to be fully inclusive and give amateur sailors the chance to participate in all aspects of sailing the boat – we can assure you; you will not just be sitting on the rail.
The Fastnet has got to be on every sailors bucket list as it challenges our inshore and offshore skills. Kraken’s amazing Fastnet Package includes a Professional Skipper along with 2 x Mates on board for all water training and races.
Extras Included
- Safety Equipment (Lifejacket & Tether)
- Wet Weather Gear / Foulies
- Food & Drink Whilst On-Board
- Crew Branded Polo Shirt
- Crew Branded Musto Jacket
Training Included
- Pre-Departure Safety Briefing
- Man Overboard Training
- 1 Day RYA Sea Survival Course
- 1 Day ISAF Offshore Safety Course
- 2 Training Weekends
- 2 Qualifying RORC Races From the Kraken Calendar
Would you like to have some more information?
- The 49th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race will take place in 2021
- The Rolex Fastnet Race is the world’s largest offshore yacht race and is a biennial event
- The course distance is 695 nautical miles from Cowes, Fastnet Rock, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
- Rolex SA has been a longstanding sponsor of the race since 2001
- The first race was in 1925 with 7 boats. The Royal Ocean Racing Club was set up as a result
+31 85 301 56 36
Official Website Rolex Fastnet Race
