The 50th Rolex Fastnet Race
Join our crew to sail in this bucket-list offshore race!
The Rolex Fastnet Race is a bucket-list biennial race not to be taken lightly. It is arguably the quintessential British offshore race, with the first race taking place in 1925 starting in Cowes and ending in Plymouth. In 2021 the end point of the race moved to Cherbourg in France, the first major change to the course in nearly 100 years.
This year for the 50th edition of the race a record number of entries was received, and almost 500 boats are currently expected at the start line. Our Swan 53 Sterna will be one of them!
The Course
Rounding the Fastnet Rock!
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 through The Needles Channel, 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.
Coastal landmarks passed along the route include: The Needles, Portland Bill, Start Point, The Lizard, Land's End, the Fastnet Rock, Bishop's Rock off the Scillies and Cherbourg breakwater.
The Team
Eight to ten sailors in a challenging race!
The Fastnet is a challenging race. Sailors are often confronted with Westerlies that are strong to gale force in strength. The succession of low pressure systems which advance on Ireland and Britain across the North Atlantic Ocean provide a constantly moving weather pattern for which Fastnet navigators must plan.
The Skipper and Chief Mate are among the eight to ten sailors who will make up the Allspice Yachting crew. We intend to bring at least four contributing crew members, including YOU!
The Notice of Race (NOR) stipulates a number of crew-related requirements that must be adhered to:
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At least 50% of the crew 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.
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At least 30% of the crew 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.
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Minimum of 1 crew member must hold a in-date First Aid Certificate completed within the last five years.
How To Apply
Excited to join us on the Rolex Fastnet Race? Great! Please fill in the contact form below and we will get in touch!