This year marks a truly historic moment in the world of offshore sailing—the 100th anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race, one of the most iconic and challenging races on the global sailing calendar.
Since its inaugural event in 1925, the Fastnet Race has captivated the sailing community with its demanding course, unpredictable conditions, and sheer sense of adventure.
At Britannia Events, we’re incredibly proud to announce that we have multiple teams competing in the 2025 edition of this centenary race. It’s a milestone event, and we’re honoured to be a part of this rich sailing legacy.
Our crews – composed of seasoned sailors and passionate adventurers—are ready to take on the 695-nautical mile route from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on the 26th July, around the Fastnet Rock off the southern coast of Ireland, and finishing in Cherbourg, France.
A historic event
The first Fastnet Race was held in 1925 with just seven boats – a far cry from the 400+ yachts expected to race in 2025. It was created by a group of sailing enthusiasts who wanted to test endurance and skill on the open sea. The race quickly gained a reputation as one of the toughest ocean races in the world, and it remains a bucket-list challenge for sailors globally.
Over the past century, the Fastnet has witnessed everything from record-breaking performances to incredible displays of seamanship. The race is as much about camaraderie and navigation as it is about speed.
Fast Facts About the Fastnet
The race is named after Fastnet Rock, known as “Ireland’s Teardrop”—the last sight of Ireland for emigrants heading to America.
The course has changed over time: while it once finished in Plymouth, the current finish line is in Cherbourg.
In 2021, the winning monohull yacht completed the course in just under 2 days—a stunning pace over open ocean.
Find out more
We’re excited to see our entrants preparing for this landmark event, so stay tuned for updates, stories, and photos from our crews as they sail into history.
While entries for this year are now full, our team are on hand to discuss opportunities to take part in some of the other events we participate in throughout the year, such as Cowes Week or the Round the Islands Race.
For more information on how to take part, contact our Events Team today.
Follow our journey and celebrate 100 years of offshore excellence with us.
