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Rolex Fastnet Race: 50th Edition Grows the Legacy

Cherbourg, 28 July 2023 - The 50th edition of a contest as legendary as the Rolex Fastnet Race deserved to be special. The largest ever fleet in the history of offshore racing spanning fully professional ocean racing greyhounds as well as more Corinthian entries combined with conditions that tested preparation, determination and expertise. The result, an epic that will be remembered not just for the celebratory element, but its contribution to a near 100 year legacy. First held in 1925 and organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Rolex Fastnet Race sits alongside the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as a pillar of Rolex’s longstanding and privileged relationship with yachting, and as one of the most revered and challenging ocean races in the world.

Setting off from Cowes, England, on 22 July, into winds gusting 40 knots, crews were set an immediate and extreme examination of boat-handling and resilience. When those who completed the course crossed the finish line in Cherbourg, France, fatigue from their exertions was matched by pride at passing the test. The sense of accomplishment was evident throughout. In terms of prize winners, Max Klink’s 52 foot (15.85 metre) Caro from Switzerland secured the Fastnet Challenge Cup for overall victory under IRC time correction, adding a new name and country to the honour roll on the coveted trophy. Two records were set: first home across the entire fleet, the 105ft (32m) French trimaran SVR Lazartigue  skippered by François Gabart, established a new benchmark time for the 695-nautical mile (1,287 kilometre) course, while Charlie Dalin’s 60ft (18.29m)  Macif Santé Prévoyance  beat the previous best for a monohull.

Overall winner Caro ’s battle was against the main body of yachts, 358, spread across five classes. Diverse entries ranging from the 88ft (27m) carbon-fibre canting-keeled racing maxi, Lucky , from the United States with 20 crew, down to  Maluka , sailed by five. The 90-year-old design is built of pine, a mere 30ft (9m) in length and gaff-rigged like the winner of the first Fastnet, Jolie Brise . Its Australian owner is a 30-race veteran of the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Such is the heritage and status of the northern hemisphere’s premier offshore competition, that Sean Langman, who has raced immensely powerful skiffs, trimarans and maxis over a long career, chose to compete in his first Rolex Fastnet Race in yacht almost the same age as the race itself. Langman commented:

“Racing offshore [in Maluka] is, for our team, a connection with the purity of the sport.”

The win for   Caro   was a source of immense satisfaction although anything but straight-forward. The navigational and technical skills, as well as the courage, determination and fortitude, required to succeed in this type of competition reflect the quest for excellence inherent in the sport from its earliest days, attributes which drew Rolex to begin its support in the late 1950s. According to Klink:

“ The first hours we were just in survival mode, trying to keep the boat at 100 per cent. I wasn’t thinking about any title or trophy, it was just about getting through the conditions.   Winning the Rolex Fastnet is any sailor’s dream,   It’s all the more special that this is the 50th edition of such an iconic race."

This was a victory born of exemplary planning as much as performance on the course. Klink is a committed ocean racer. His latest   Caro   first went offshore at the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart, where it finished third overall only 17 minutes behind the winner.

" The boat is meant to do well in all these Rolex 600 milers, the Fastnet, the Middle Sea Race, the Hobart … "

Armed with a boat clearly suited to challenge, the crew also needed to play their part. British sailor and tactician Adrian Stead, already a two-time winner in 2009 and 2011, blended his substantial experience of the course area with the acumen of Andy Green, the navigator, remarkably on his first Rolex Fastnet Race. Stead felt their work ahead of the start was key to managing the early conditions and being able to press at the end: 

“ The practice run we did before, out in the Solent in 25 knots of breeze, was useful preparation for everyone on the team. Practising starting and then a full circuit of the Isle of Wight, a good seven-hour shakedown for all of us and the boat. ” 

“ It was very tough, particularly the first eight hours with the front coming over. Our goal was to survive that and then race hard. The Volvo 65s and Lucky had got away from us at the rock, but we had a good run to Scillies. Over the last 180nm we saw the boats in front slowing, so we worked extra hard. ”

Fortune with the weather is always a component in any offshore win, but for Stead there are more significant factors:

“ An owner who is passionate for the sport, great preparation, a great team. Those are the ingredients it takes to win a Rolex Fastnet Race .”

Line Honours Technology and innovation play a critical part in being the fastest over the course. Both the multihull and monohull line honours boats proved their cutting-edge credentials, surpassing their closest rivals in tactics and speed, and outwitting the weather. Although few in number, the multihulls always make a huge impression. Particularly the grand prix foiling trimarans, whose immense power was plainly demonstrated.   SVR Lazartigue   crossed the line at 21:38:27 BST on 23 July beating   Banque Populaire   by just under an hour. By contrast, at the same time, the leading monohulls were reaching the Fastnet Rock, half the racetrack in arrears. Gabart’s time of one day, eight hours, 38 minutes and 27 seconds set a new outright race record, beating the 2021 time by just over 36 minutes.

A class winner in 2013 and cruelly beaten on the line in 2019, Gabart was thrilled with his team’s achievement:

“ The start was not easy with strong winds for the first six or eight hours. The Rolex Fastnet is an incredible, mythical event. I have been looking for a win for a long time now, so I am very proud to do so with this beautiful boat and crew. ”

Racing with just two crew,   Macif   was launched in June 2023. Dalin carries great experience of both the race and competing at the highest level. A class winner here in 2013, he finished second in a solo round the world race in 2021.   Macif   is equipped with the latest offshore foils, which were used to good effect to overhaul the larger   Lucky   en route to the Scillies. Finishing in two days, seven hours, 16 minutes and 26 seconds, Dalin improved the previous monohull record, also set in 2021 and by a yacht twice the length of   Macif , by one hour, 15 minutes.

ROLEX AND YACHTING Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand's enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous harbours. Rolex's partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

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Doublehanded domination at 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race

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50th edition Rolex Fastnet Race - dates for 2023 announced

Following the success of the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race from Cowes to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and its French partners are delighted to announce the date for the next edition of its flagship event in 2023.

The 50 th edition of the world’s largest offshore race will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line on Saturday 22 nd July, 2023, prior to the annual Cowes Week festivities.

Jean-Louis Valentin, President of the Arrival Fastnet Cherbourg Association comments: “We are delighted to once again welcome the arrival of the mythical Rolex Fastnet Race in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in 2023. The Association and Public Partners; the City of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the Agglomeration Community du Cotentin, the Department of Manche and the Normandy Region continue to work hand-in-hand to welcome this great international maritime race to our region. The new date of 22 nd July 2023 will attract more people and we will again offer a warm welcome before the start of the race and a big party at the finish. Our teams are already working with the RORC to make the arrival of this 50th edition a great festival and friendly event for everyone.”

“We will all be looking forward to taking part in what will be a very special anniversary year for the Rolex Fastnet Race. Following the resounding success of this year’s edition, we will again be finishing in Cherbourg and expect to attract a record entry. We feel certain that our partners in France (City of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the Agglomeration Community du Cotentin, the Department of Manche and the Normandy Region) will ensure competitors and visitors receive the same warm welcome and will be able to celebrate the golden jubilee race in inimitable French style,” comments RORC Commodore, James Neville.

“The 50 th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race will run before Cowes Week in 2023 in order to cope with the berthing needs of the large fleet prior to the start on 22 nd July, and pre-event registration will again be offered to competitors in Cherbourg. We are excited to be working with our hosts once more for the finish of this great race and expect it to be even better than the 2021 event,” says Race Director, Chris Stone.

The biennial 690 nautical mile race is a rite of passage for all those taking part and is one of the very few global events where Corinthian sailors can compete on the same race course as their sporting heroes. The ultimate goal is to take home the overall trophy; the historic Fastnet Challenge Cup - first presented back in 1925, but for most sailors, to complete the race and the tough personal challenge; to test their mettle against others in their class, or to compete against hundreds of passionate sailors from around the globe, is the main attraction of this renowned classic offshore race.

The arrival of the immense fleet will once again be eagerly anticipated, with spectators enjoying the atmosphere of the international yachting festival as boats complete the 690 nautical mile course from Cowes to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, via the Fastnet Rock. Starting with the first arrivals from the 23 rd of July, the daily influx of international competitors on a diverse range of boats, culminates in a memorable prizegiving to mark the 50 th Rolex Fastnet Race in Cherbourg on Friday 28 th July 2023.

Save the date – Saturday 22 nd July 2023.

For further information or enquiries, please contact the RORC Race Team on: E: [email protected] , T: +44 1983 295 144, or go to: www.rorc.org

www.rolexfastnetrace.com

Yachting World

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Two giant foiling trimarans set for a Fastnet Race battle

• Toby Heppell
• July 18, 2023

The battle to be the first boat home will be hard fought between two giant trimarans in this years Fastnet Race, with the foilers promising an epic battle

As with most big races around the world, bragging rights in the Rolex Fastnet Race race are split into two broad camps, the line honours winners (the first boat to complete the course) and the winner of the event on corrected time.

And since the inclusion of multihulls 20 years ago, these categories are split again into monohull and multihull line honours and handicap winners.

Most of those taking part in the race, in either monohulls or multihulls, will only be focussed on the handicap results as a line honours win is out of reach of all but the fastest, biggest and most expensive boats in the world.

For the Rolex Fastnet Race 2023 , the fastest boat to complete the course will almost certainly be one of the two 100ft foiling trimarans, the Ultim of Banque Populaire XI and SVR-Lazartigue .

Banque Populaire XI in full flight. Photo: Jeremie Lecaudey

Fastest Fastnet Race Multihulls

The foiling ocean racers are at the very forefront of technical innovation and are designed to break records – be that offshore races, ocean crossings or the ultimate prize a Jules Verne Round the World record .

The Ultim trimarans are set to become especially newsworthy over the next months with the first ever race for five of these extreme 32m long by 23m wide flying trimarans, around the world, non-stop, singlehanded, setting sail from Brest, France on 7 January next year.

Before then two of the main contenders will be leading the charge on the rather shorter 695 mile Rolex Fastnet Race.

A rticle continues below…

Extraordinary boats: Banque Populaire XI

Banque Populaire is one of the world’s most experienced and successful sailing teams, and was the force behind Armel Le…

The ultimate foiling machine? Onboard SVR-Lazartigue

Launched in July after 150,000 hours of work, SVR-Lazartigue is the latest addition to the burgeoning Ultim 32/23 fleet. In…

How to win the Rolex Fastnet Race: expert navigator’s tips

The 2021 edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race came with an interesting change. The finish line, having always previously been…

SVR-Lazartigue and Banque Populaire XI are skippered by two titans of offshore racing, Francois Gabart and Armel le Cleac’h respectively. Both are Vendée Globe winners (Gabart 2012, le Cleac’h 2016). Le Cleac’h is part of the exclusive club of triple winners of La Solitaire du Figaro (the unofficial world championship of solo offshore racing). He has been racing Ultims since 2013, this being his second boat.

Similarly, Gabart joined the Ultim class in 2015 winning many events with his MACIF trimaran, culminating in his record for sailing singlehanded non-stop around the world of just 42d 16h 40m 35s, incredibly just under two days shy of the fully crewed record.

Gabart has competed in the Rolex Fastnet Race twice before, winning on his IMOCA 60 MACIF in 2013 and then, in 2019, leading into the Plymouth finish line aboard his Ultim trimaran, only to be pipped at the post by Groupe Edmond de Rothschild , finishing less than one minute astern. “That was a little disappointing,” Gabart admits.

Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas on Maxi Edmond de Rothschild win the last Fastnet Race in 2021. Photo: Eloi Stichelbaut / PolaRYSE / Gitana

Neither of these Ultims competed in the 2021 race, when Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas on Maxi Edmond de Rothschild established the record for the new course to Cherbourg of 1d 9h 14m 54s.

Their Ultims are more than capable of bettering this and it’s possible a good breeze could even see the 14-year-old outright record for the most miles covered in 24 hours (908.2 miles/average speed 37.84 knots), also broken, given enough runway with suitable conditions and the will. If pressed, the latest Ultims could cover 1000 miles in a day (average speed 41.6 knots).

The top speed on Banque Populaire XI to date is 47 knots, but it is not top speed but high average speeds that Le Cleac’h says is the objective. “40-42 knots for one or two hours is very good, or 35-37 knots for 24 hours. We know that it is possible with our boat if the conditions are good.”

The performance of the Ultims has taken a massive leap in recent years, since new foil configurations have enabled them to fly.

For Banque Populaire XI getting airborne requires 12-13 knots of wind/22-23 knots of boat speed. Ideal conditions are no more than 20 knots as above this the sea state becomes too rough to use the foils effectively. Upwind in 15-17 knots Banque Populaire XI flies and will be making 27-30 knots. “That is the big step forward compared to the last Ultims, and that difference is very important compared to the older generation Ultims.”

“We regularly reach speeds of over 40 knots at less than 90° true wind angle (TWA),” says Gabbart. “In certain conditions, such as 25 knots of wind on flat seas, at 65°-70° off the wind, you’re doing 40 knots. That’s 60-65 knots of apparent wind speed. The maximum AWS in our log is not far from 70 knots.”

Of course one of these two foiling beasts being first to finish the Fastnet Race does require that they actually finish. The giant trimarans are at the very forefront of innovation and are famously susceptible to damage.

Reliability is improving, however, as foiling technology improves but even these hugely developed technological marvels the old adage holds true; ‘to finish first, first you have to finish’.

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Rolex Fastnet 2023 Race Report

Lloyd's Yacht Club September 7, 2023 Fastnet 2023

A Tale of Salt and Light – by Stephen Hill

The 50 th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Challenge Race attracted the largest fleet to start than ever before by a considerable margin with over 450 yachts taking part. Getting to the start line is not a given. Each crew must earn the right to take part in the race by having sailed at least 350nm together in qualifying race conditions and ensured the requisite offshore safety training has been completed by crew members. For the crew on Lutine this consisted of various training weekends, offshore training lectures plus in water life raft simulations, RORC Cherbourg Race, RORC Cervantes Race and RORC Myth of Malham Race in the months prior to the Fastnet Race. These were not without challenge and with hindsight invaluable given the voyage we were about to embark on.

The Crew James Close – Skipper

Note: Nigel Ford was regrettably unable to compete having tested positive with the dreaded COVID in the days prior to and including race day. A massive disappointment for all. He would be sorely missed. Day 1  Saturday 22 nd July 2023 Crew mustered the day before to prepare Lutine for the voyage. All essentials taken off, victuals put on board and sails plus rigging in order. Lutine’s hull cleaned below the water line and race-ready. So here we are, race day. Heart in mouth time. This has been a long while coming and everyone is excited and nervous in equal measure. At 09:00hrs we assembled for breakfast at the Creek Restaurant in Haslar Marina. The crew learned that Nigel Ford was not able to join us which was a real blow but a reality we had to deal with. It was our final chance to get a debrief on what lay ahead in terms of weather and navigation. The chart below shows three fronts chasing each other barrelling in off the Atlantic so we knew conditions were going to be very challenging with wind over tide at The Needles out of the Solent that afternoon not to mention the rest of the race. The mood was pragmatic. We had prepared and we had a plan.

Forecast Chart Sat 22 JUL 2023 12:00 UTC 11:00hrs we cast off and made our way out into the Solent. The storm sails were hoisted to pass through the Safety Check Gate with all-hands on deck wearing life jackets. Two reefs in the main and the storm jib up for the race start. Headed out toward the start line. An incredible armada of yachts jostling around accompanied by ribs and other small motor craft. Helicopters buzzing the fleet from above. All action but not too messy given stiff conditions. 13:35 warning gun. 13:45 BOOM! We’re off and in safe position back from the melee of other yachts vying for position. We headed west wanting to take the north channel. Conditions deteriorated fast with 35 knots plus wind and severe chop. Other vessels took emergency tacks blocking our intended manoeuvres. Tacking was proving extremely challenging given the standing walls of water off Hurst Castle and Skipper James Close took the initiative and we sought refuge. This was a good decision given crew were literally being thrown around the deck and luckily nobody overboard. Lutine’s boom even took a wetting as we heeled over, it being so challenging to generate enough power to take the tack fully round. Some bruised bodies and vexed minds but nothing too serious. Adrenaline high and emotions running sore. We had all had a real taste of salt by now and had thankfully preserved ourselves but at this stage postponed going further in the race until conditions subsided a bit. From here we had to look for a safe line of passage through traffic back towards Yarmouth. Not easy. Eventually we took a mooring outside Yarmouth to decompress and collect ourselves. A range of emotions on board. Some bitterly disappointed being under the impression the race was over, others simply glad to be alive while a few intelligent souls, especially Christopher Bailey, kept their composure and reached for the race rule book. On further inspection it became clear we had not fallen foul of race rules by withdrawing to our mooring and therefore had the opportunity to continue once RORC had been informed properly. Despite the challenges of the day, we collected ourselves, decided to rest in Yarmouth until that ruinous storm had passed and then rejoin the race. At the time this seemed very much off plan but during our qualifying races it had been discussed on more than one occasion as to what we would do in an adverse weather scenario and what manifested is exactly what we had agreed should happen. Back on plan. Dinner: beef bourguignon. Oh how good was that? The radio cackled full of distress calls and the lifeboats were very busy. We all felt concern for those in trouble. Some encouragement was taken from others mooring up nearby. We were not alone in choice of plan. A chance to rest and sleep while the storm outside raged through the night. It was horrendous! Day 2  Sunday 23 rd July 2023 Wake at 04:30hrs and set off at 05:00hrs having put away the storm jib. Sleep was disturbed by some youths playing dance music through the night on another vessel close by. Conditions less severe but still needing respect. Head out of the Solent due west. Plenty of other yachts in the distance. News came through that over one hundred others had retired, one boat had sunk, four had broken masts and various others in trouble with broken safety equipment, torn sails and such like. We however were intact and on track to catch up with the rest of the competition taking shelter at anchor further along the coast fully vindicating the prior day’s actions. 08:00 Breakfast – sausage baps. Well received. Watch system on. Good progress made and caught up with remaining field of yachts who had taken shelter outside the Solent.  1 crew member seasick. Rest of crew seem to be ok.   25 knots and strong sea state through the day. Plenty of water over the bow. This is what we came for. Watch system working well and into rhythm as per previous races.  Dinner: Ciabatta Pizzas. Evening heading into Lyme Bay. Some tacking to north and south to get through tidal gates. Sailing 45 to the wind.  On through the night with winds still stiff.  Day 3  Monday 24 th July 2023 08:00 Ham and cheese croissants for breakfast.  Lutine’s bow into the waves. Anyone on watch not on point is up on the guard rail. A very soggy start to the day. One more crew member very seasick but stoically pulls through. Winds ease off through the day.  Lunch: Cornish Pasties off Cornwall. How apt! We pass Portland Bill, Exeter lights, Eddystone light house, then Lizard Point. Finally Lands End and Scilly Isles later in the day. Good hard progress. Dinner 19:00: Chicken and mushroom pasta pots.  Strong northerly wind into Irish Sea. Starboard tack. Long rolling high waves. We’re really offshore now and into the night achieving 7 to 8 knots perhaps even 10 at times. Wind and tide on side. By this time, we are all getting tired but remain cheerful and the watch system is working properly. Some concern over Skipper James Close who has a cough and needs rest. Navigation going well. Lutine’s poltergeist turned up at 02:30hrs while Christopher Bailey sat at the chart table. The third draw down for no explicable reason flew out and slammed into the galley pot cupboard. Christopher took it in his stride and was observed diligently replacing it to its position which took some time and several attempts all without one single expletive! Day 4  Tuesday 25 th July Early morning wind drops. Becalmed for several hours which was frustrating. At this stage we are 100 miles from the Fastnet Lighthouse. We used the time wisely. A chance to clean up, check the deck and make repairs. Spinnaker lines rigged up. The outhaul had snapped at the end of the boom so James Close set about making repairs. On it went confined to no wind and strong sunshine with the occasional dolphin to cheer us up. Early evening wind starts to trickle in. Code zero sail goes up. We’re back in business. Slowly at first but after a while enough wind to make good progress.  Dinner: Bailey’s famous hearty Ginger Vegetable Curry. Warming stuff!  Sundown through gentle clouds into the west a treat for the eyes as light shines through in beams to the sea.  Late evening – a shout, “Land ahoy!”. We’re off the Irish coast. Tantalisingly close. Darkness falls. Other yachts congregate in our vicinity all hunting position for the rock. Some good sport as darkness falls and wind picks up a little. The immediate approach to Fastnet Lighthouse needs attention given TSS exclusion zones. Careful navigation and adherence to bearings taken. A beacon of light pulsing in the distance.  Code zero furled away and jib unfurled.  A soft shower of rain gently tumbles. The light pulses on a four second chime from Fastnet Rock Lighthouse with long beams striding out into the mist.  00:10 hrs Careful helming taken through the gap. The lighthouse and Fastnet rock standing tall against the dark night sky. Lutine has circumnavigated! A moment to celebrate and commit to memory for all the crew. 

26/07/2023 00:10 hrs BST Fastnet Lighthouse Halfway. More race to do! Time to tack southwest then southeast to avoid the second TSS exclusion zone. As we distance ourselves from Fastnet we look back at a genuinely incredible view of Fastnet Lighthouse doing its job: a beacon, a signal, a warning light – important information for any vessel approaching.  Wind up, sea state good, Lutine in her element cruising at 8 knots in good conditions. The fleet of yachts soon disperses. We’re on our own into the night and into the rain. Through the night with no stars, no other yachts around, no ships nor any reference point on the horizon. Just instruments to guide us into the abyss. Day 5  Wednesday 26 th July 2023 Wind building through the night across the Celtic Sea from 11 knots at 02:00hrs to 23 knots by 09:00. Visibility about 1 nm with rain and drizzle the order of the day. Some sport with Flycatcher and Boracic too whose crew tried to kite in those conditions to chase us but ultimately had to take precautions and put it away. Wind continued to build and gust to 35 knots by 17:00. Dinner at 19:00 James Brady’s Ratatouille and Chorizo with Tortillas. Waves building too and this was tricky for those on helm having to essentially surf Lutine on and over towering waves as they swept past. More sport to be had with Challenger 3 and CV3 both in our class. The sea state as we sailed by the Isles of Scilly was particularly challenging with truly enormous waves which Tom Bailey had to tackle on helm reaching 34 knot boat speed surfing one of them according to the log. Top wind speed recorded was 37 knots during this stage. For the record the author was blissfully fast asleep in “The Bear Pit” otherwise known as the port side aft cabin when this occurred! Yes, we were all exhausted by now but the sea, wind and rain are relentless and besides there was a race to finish. No choice. Keep at it. Day 6  Thursday 27 th July 2023 Relentless wind and heavy swell. More rain. Respect for the smaller craft stuck out in the Celtic Sea with a force 7 storm over them. Richard Laver on helm through dawn. Now about 100nm from the finish line at Cherbourg. The swell still needed attention with waves chasing us but as the morning went on the seat state improved and we were able to attack rather than defend. Just north of the Casquet Rocks we had Alacrity, Challenger 4 and Von Bremen behind us and ahead were Albatros, Casamayas and Jago with 29nm to go at 14:00 hrs. We gave chase and James Close took over from Tom Bailey on helm at 15:00. The rain turned to drizzle. Land visible starboard side. The final push. All hands-on deck. Richard Trevethick still diligently guarding the main sheet. Others on the rail as detailed in a race. 16:00 hrs on the nose Lutine crossed the finish line having sailed a total of 857 nautical miles in 5 days, 2 hours, 15 minutes and 41 seconds. That achieved 168 th in Line Honours Monohull, 179 th in IRC Overall and 23 rd in our class IRC Zero.

 27/07/2023 16:00hrs BST We moored up in Cherbourg, raised the sponsors’ battle flags – Knight Frank, Aon and Ark then headed to the race village. As you can imagine Thursday evening was a time to celebrate and decompress a little. Reality bites though and imperatives don’t go away so with the crew splitting up, Lutine set sail again that night to be brought back to Haslar Marina, Gosport arriving in to dock at 08:00 Friday 28 th July 2023. The above is a basic outline of how the race went. There were some brilliant moments which will come out in the fullness of time through conversation at Club gatherings and I look forward to regaling some stories. Special mention should go to Tom Seaman for making sure we were well fed for the race as he planned that well and made the extra effort to make it happen. If I had to pick someone from the crew who I thought pushed themselves to a new level, then Richard Laver stands out for me with his diligence on deck and efforts on helm. Having the Bailey clan on board was a great dynamic to the crew. George Bailey at only 15 years of age really has done something special here. As I sit here on the beach at Cahadaniel on the west coast of Ireland looking out to Bull Rock across a calm sea with the sun setting in the west after one month since we raced, I am still finding it hard to digest. On a personal level I wanted to be part of a team and learn the basics of offshore racing. To that end I feel I have come away having been very lucky to associate with a remarkable group of people and have been truly baptised into the sailing world. You learn a lot and perhaps the biggest lesson is that to compete effectively and safely in offshore sailing it is very much a way of life not just a token thing. I’m in! As a crew we made every effort to preserve our energy, Lutine and our course through the race like salty sailors should do. I also like to think we kept our heads level in challenging conditions using the light from prior sailing knowledge and information to hand – thank heavens for instruments and GPS! There was of course the occasional mishap, but we learned from these and kept our composure which is a great accolade to Skipper James Close and the two watch leaders Tom Bailey and Tim Blackstone. That race has made its mark on me, and I feel very lucky to have had the chance in life to take part.

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Published on July 24th, 2023 | by Editor

Brutal conditions for record-setting Fastnet Race

Published on July 24th, 2023 by Editor -->

The 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race set sail with 430 yachts on July 22 – up from the previous record of 388 that took the last pre-COVID race in 2019.

While pundits were comparing the wind for the 50th edition to that of the last Rolex Fastnet Race in 2021, in fact it was gustier with a densely overcast sky, drizzle that built to rain, and enough mist to obscure the mainland.

However, what was consistent was the heinous washing machine sea-state that competitors encountered at the western exit of the Solent at Hurst Narrows, as they passed the Isle of Wight’s most famous landmark, the Needles and beyond. As usual this built increasingly with the ebb tide, especially affecting the smaller yachts.

It was a brutal first night at sea with numerous retirements and many others seeking temporary shelter from the gale force conditions in the English Channel.

By the first morning, 86 had officially retired, comprising 78 across the IRC fleet (the biggest number being 27 in IRC Two) plus two Class40s, two IMOCAs, three MOCRA multihulls and one Ocean 50 trimaran.

In the severe conditions, HM Coastguard reported involvement in 28 incidents, including one sinking. Said the event statement, “At approximately 16:30 yesterday afternoon the Sun Fast 3600 Vari began to take on water southwest of the Needles. Thanks to the swift response of the emergency services both crew members were evacuated to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight and are safe and well. The boat is believed to have sunk although the exact reasons are not yet confirmed.”

Several calls to HM Coastguard were to do with injured crew. Otherwise, four yachts dismasted – Heather Tarr’s Yoyo from Ireland; Nick Martin’s Diablo; Bertrand Daniels’ Mirabelle and Tapio Lehtinen’s Swan 55 yawl Galiana (due to compete in the Ocean Globe Race shortly).

In addition, Azora sustained broken steering, Dulcissima a loss of rigging, while Richard Matthews’ CF520 Oystercatcher XXXV sustained deck failure and Oida ran aground after her anchor dragged.

There were several other incidents in which HM Coastguard was not involved, including the mast foot exploding on Long Courrier who retired to Cowes – the only occasion race veteran and 2015 winner Géry Trentesaux has retired from this race.

Fifteen registered entries didn’t start, including one of the race favorites – Peter Morton’s Maxi 72 Notorious in IRC Super Zero.

Good news did arrive on day two as after a tough first 24 hours, conditions had abated in the English Channel and Celtic Sea. Between Land’s End and the Scilly Isles, there were reports of 17 knots from 250°, dropping to 15 for the second night, with the wind in the western English Channel typically 10-15 knots.

But well ahead of that was François Gabart and his team on the 100-foot SVR Lazartigue as they crossed the finish line at 21:38:27 BST on July 23, setting a new record of 1 day 8 hours 38 minutes 27 seconds, breaking the time set by Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier on Maxi Groupe Edmond de Rothschild two years ago by 36 minutes 27 seconds.

The 32m long by 23m wide, foil-borne, flying Ultim trimarans are by far the biggest, fastest offshore race boats on the planet, with the gale force winds making little impression

“It is never easy to leave the Solent and doing it in an Ultim is even more difficult,” admitted Gabart. “Doing it with 400 boats around you is harder still. And if you do it upwind…in 25 knots…! It is not easy! We were happy to make it out of the Solent. I think if there had been more than 30 knots at Hurst, we wouldn’t have done it. After that the waves were strong, but we could still race and in the end, we broke nothing.”

Event information – Entry list – Facebook

A record-sized fleet got underway for the 50th edition of Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race from Cowes on July 22, 2023. For a second consecutive occasion, the course departed from the UK but has a French finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin via a 695 nautical mile course via the Fastnet Rock.

Tags: Fastnet Race , François Gabart , records

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86 boats retire as strong gales cause havoc at 50th Rolex Fastnet Race

• Sunday 23 July 2023 at 4:12pm

WATCH the dramatic start of the 50th Fastnet race in Cowes. Video from Rolex Fastnet Race

Strong winds in the English Channel have forced at least 86 boats to retire in the 2023 Fastnet Race.

A record number of 430 boats set off from Cowes on Saturday afternoon, knowing they would be facing 40 knot winds overnight.

It's the 50th staging of the biennial race, which sees sailors travel more than 600 miles around the Fastnet Rock in southern Ireland, and back to Cherbourg.

Around 3000 sailors are taking part in the race this year, but within hours of setting off 50 boats had retired due to strong headwinds and a poor forecast.

Going into the first night at sea the trackers show yachts seeking safe refuge in Yarmouth, Lymington, Poole, and small harbours along the south coast.

On Sunday, race organisers confirmed that 86 boats had retired so far.

HM Coastguard said they responded to 28 incidents as a result of difficult weather conditions affecting vessels participating in the race.

In a statement they said it was an "extremely busy" night:

"Working closely with our partners from RNLI and South West Ambulance Service, our air and coastal rescue teams were deployed to aid multiple damaged vessels and to assist in the safe retrieval of crew members.

"Lifeboats and Coastal Rescue Teams from Yarmouth, Poole, Weymouth, Swanage, Portland and Wyke were all deployed to multiple incidents.

There have been no official reports of any serious injuries.

All vessels are fitted with trackers and accounted for.

The 32m Ultim  Trimaran SVR Lazartigue , skippered by  François Gabart , was the first boat to round the Fastnet Rock on Sunday morning with others in hot pursuit.

You can follow all the race action LIVE here

View Live Video Stream -->

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ROLEX FASTNET RACE 2021

• Competitors
• Before The Race

Fastnet Race Documents

Race documents, 2023 official notice board.

The Official Notice Board for the 2023 edition of the Race, including the Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, Notices to Competitors and any amendments can be found on SailRaceHQ:

https://rolexfastnetrace.com/onb

Rolex Fastnet Trophy Application

The  2023 Trophy application form is available to download here .

2023 Rolex Fastnet Race - Entrylists

Entrylist for irc and non-irc rated (e.g. class40, imoca, multihull) boats are available on sailracehq:.

https://rolexfastnetrace.com/entries

Rolex Fastnet Race - A guide for entrants

Purpose and scope of this guide, welcome to the new rolex fastnet race guide. this guide is intended to de-mystify the entry process and to help make your entry into the rolex fastnet race as easy as possible. it is not to be treated as a replacement for the rolex fastnet race notice of race available here ., the guide is based around you, the competitor, and we will be updating it frequently to reflect your feedback so as to improve the experience for everyone. if you have further questions or suggestions then please email the race team at this email address is being protected from spambots. you need javascript enabled to view it. document.getelementbyid('cloak1340334318fb00dbfebf86d4356201a2').innerhtml = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy1340334318fb00dbfebf86d4356201a2 = 'racing' + '@'; addy1340334318fb00dbfebf86d4356201a2 = addy1340334318fb00dbfebf86d4356201a2 + 'rorc' + '.' + 'org'; var addy_text1340334318fb00dbfebf86d4356201a2 = 'racing' + '@' + 'rorc' + '.' + 'org';document.getelementbyid('cloak1340334318fb00dbfebf86d4356201a2').innerhtml += ' '+addy_text1340334318fb00dbfebf86d4356201a2+' '; (please put the sail number and boat name in the subject field)., to help you access the information you need please choose below which description suits you best., choose your level of experience.

This is my first Rolex Fastnet and/or RORC Race - I'd like to read the complete guide

I competed in the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race - what's new for 2023?

Charts for the Rolex Fastnet Race

The following list of charts is only a selection of charts covering the course area and is designed as a guide for competitors. The responsibility for the choice of charts and other publications carried is the sole and inescapable responsibility of the person in charge. Persons in charge should consider which detailed charts might be required for ports of refuge.

Click on the Read more link to see the list.

Continue Reading

Distances and Course

Starting from The Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, yachts will race on a course of approx 695 nautical miles via the Fastnet Rock to the finish line at the western end of the breakwater in Cherbourg.

Distances between notable points on the course (approx)

• Cowes – Needles 16 nm
• Needles – Portland Bill 34 nm
• Portland – Start Point 54 nm
• Start Point – Lizard 60 nm
• Lizard – Lands End 22 nm
• Land's End – Fastnet 170 nm
• Fastnet Rock – Scillies 150 nm
• Scillies – Cherbourg 189 nm

Total = 695 nautical miles

Facts & stats.

Q : Where in the world is approx. 695 nautical miles from Cowes?

A:  berlin, copenhagen, oslo, vienna, palma and cherbourg via fastnet rock...

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Rolex Fastnet Race 2023

• AUD $9,500.00 / Race per person Enquire now
• EURO 6,200.00 / Race Per Person Enquire now

FASTNET RACE 2023

In 2023 Eve will join the outstanding 500 boat fleet to take part in one of the worlds greatest races - the Rolex Fastnet Race. It will be the race’s 50th edition, as well as the 100th anniversary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club , so we can expect to see more classic yachts, Like Eve, taking part with ancient associations to what has grown into the world’s largest offshore yacht race. A race we are really looking forward to compete in !

The Fastnet yacht race involves very serious sailing in frequently heavy weather and so requires a safe yacht and competent crew. ‘Eve’ is an extraordinarily strong and safe yacht. Like all S&S Swan 65s, she was built to the highest standards for around-the-world racing and has already completed three circumnavigations.

Whether you’re looking to learn new racing skills or to tick off an item from your bucket list, this is an experience you don’t want to miss ! The race starts off the Royal Yacht Squadron start line of Cowes on the Isle of Wight on the south coast of England. Leaving the Solent, the race follows the southern coastline of England westward down the English Channel, before rounding Land’s End. After crossing the Celtic Sea, the race rounds the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland. Returning on a largely reciprocal course, the race rounds the Isles of Scilly before finishing at Cherbourg.

The training program:

The key to success in an event like this is preparation and teamwork, our 14-day program is designed to build a crew’s confidence as well as knowledge and experience to promote safe and successful experience. The program will include basic skills & safety, offshore passage making, and race training.

​​Learn to work in a watch system and race with broken sleep as you sail through the night. Everything will be about sail trim and making the boat go faster. Emphasis will also be placed on emergency routines, safety procedures and handling the yacht in tough offshore conditions to make sure the crew are familiar with the yacht and their role on board.

As a crew member, you will need to hold a Sea Safety Survival Certificate.

• Sail handling : The “drills and skills” module will be covering all the basics of sail handling, yacht racing and safety procedures. Training will be run in the Solent and surrounds just prior to the Race Week.
• If you are an experienced sailor that would like to join us for Fastnet , but cannot commit to the training, then please contact us to discuss alternatives.
• Pre-race training: 3 consecutive full days of training will take place, within the last week prior to the Fastnet Race, in the Solent.

Training Program :

Wednesday 29th of June Meet crew and boat in La Trinite- France on the 29th, train 29th and 30th, with a Lay day on the 1st of July

Saturday 2nd of July La Trinité to Cowes race - 350nm, qualifies the crew and the boat for the Fasnet race

Wednesday 5th of July Coastal training in the Solent - Fastnet race start zone, lots of current and shifting wind, good opportunity after a medium ocean race to work on the tight manoeuvring and familiarise ourself with the area.

Friday 7th of July Cowes to Dinars St Malo- France 150 miles accros the channel, part of the Bowl Trophy, best placed Swan in Cowes to Dinars and Fastnet Race

Sunday 9th of july to Tuesday 11 of July Layday in St Malo

Wednesday 12th of July Sail back to Cowes ​​​IMPORTANT TRAINING - Saturday 14th to Tuesday 16th Fine tuning with pro crew  Saturday 22nd - FASTNET RACE

Estimated time of arrival on the 27th in the morning in Cherbourg - France

• Pre Race training: Morgan Cup Race; Trinity Cowes race 
• Race start: 22nd JULY 2023
• ETA Cherbourg: 27th JULY 2023

Our price and Inclusions:

• AUD$ 9,500.00 incl. GST (20% off for those that have raced with us before) - 50% is due when you book and will reserve your place. The remaining 50% is due 3 weeks prior to the Race.
• Professional skipper and crew
• All yacht costs and Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race entry fee
• Full provisions on board during racing and lunch whilst training
• Branded team polo and cap
• 5 Professional crew

Your crew package excludes: accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, wet weather gear, PLBs and AIS trackers . Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.