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    Rolex Fastnet Race

    24 July 2027 – 1 August 2027provisionalThe Solent, Fastnet Rock, Cherbourg — Cowes, United Kingdom

    The Fastnet is the offshore race amateur sailors build seasons around: a Solent start, a long beat or reach west along the English south coast, the Fastnet Rock off southern Ireland, and a finish on the French side of the Channel. Entry demand routinely exceeds capacity within minutes of opening.

    Official organiser: Royal Ocean Racing ClubOrganiser profile & their other events

    Dates shown are indicative windows based on where each event traditionally sits in the season. Always confirm the current edition with the organiser before booking or entering.

    Race format

    • Biennial race organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, held in odd-numbered years
    • Roughly 600+ nautical miles from the Solent around the Fastnet Rock to a French finish port
    • Mixed fleet: IRC monohulls, IMOCA, Class40, and multihulls in their own divisions
    • Qualifying-mile and crew-experience requirements apply to entries

    Who it suits

    • Club-level and semi-professional offshore crews stepping up to a major race
    • Charter operators and training schools selling qualifying-mile passages
    • Sponsors targeting a large European sailing audience over a two-week window

    Planning notes

    • Entries typically open many months ahead and fill extremely quickly — have crew, boat, and RORC membership sorted before the opening date.
    • Budget for delivery legs to and from the start and finish ports, not just the race itself.
    • For schools and charter fleets: qualifying-mile offers are one of the highest-intent products you can market in the spring.

    Venue & location

    Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Racing area
    The Solent, Fastnet Rock, Cherbourg
    Address
    The Solent, Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
    Coordinates
    50.7601, -1.2982

    Approximate location of the Solent start area off Cowes. The course rounds the Fastnet Rock off southern Ireland before finishing on the French coast. Coordinates are approximate and for orientation only — never use them for navigation.

    Open the venue in a full map

    Event photos & logo

    We publish photography and event marks only where the owner has cleared it and can be credited by name, so there is no gallery for Fastnet Race yet. Photographers, clubs and organisers: send images to info@digitalsailors.org with the credit line and licence you want shown and we will publish them with your credit and a link back to you.

    Fastnet Race FAQs

    How often is the Rolex Fastnet Race held?
    It is a biennial race held in odd-numbered years, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, usually starting in the second half of July or early August from the Solent.
    Do you need qualifying miles to enter the Fastnet Race?
    Yes. The Royal Ocean Racing Club sets qualifying-mile and crew-experience requirements for each edition, so check the current notice of race before planning a campaign.

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