The Rolex Fastnet Race 2025, one of the most prestigious ocean races in the world, is celebrating its centenary this year. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), this legendary regatta attracts professional and amateur sailors from all over the world. For JPK Composites, this edition is a special one, with the presence of four JPK 1050s in the double-handed IRC (including Léon sailed by Alexis Loison and JP Kelbert) and a host of other models in the various IRC classes. Here's everything you need to know to follow the race.
The race
The Rolex Fastnet Race 2025 will start from Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, in England, on 26 July 2025 at 14:00 (French time). The competitors will cover 695 nautical miles. Here are the main stages of the course:
- Departure from Cowes: The yachts leave the Solent via the Needles channel, a spectacular passage often marked by tactical conditions.
- Sailing along the south coast of England: The crews will be sailing westwards, passing iconic capes such as Start Point and The Lizard.
- Land's End Passage: After rounding this mythical point, the sailors cross the Celtic Sea.
- Winding up Fastnet Rock: Located off the south-west coast of Ireland, this iconic rock, nicknamed "the tear of Ireland", is the highest point of the race.
- Back via the Isles of Scilly: The competitors head back south, leaving Bishop Rock to port.
- Finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin: The race finishes in Europe's largest artificial harbour, where the first boats are expected to arrive on 27 July 2025.
Race map
Start live on YouTube
The start of the Rolex Fastnet Race 2025, scheduled for 26 July at 14:00 (French time), will be broadcast live on the RORC YouTube channel (live start at 11:00). With over 450 boats lining up on the start line, including the impressive Ultim, IMOCA, Class40 and IRC fleets, the spectacle promises to be grandiose!
