17th July 2025 to 29th July 2025
VO65: Rolex Fastnet Race Campaign 2025
Take part in one of the oldest and most prestigious regattas in the world. The Rolex Fastnet is organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1925. It's named after the Fastnet Rock, which the race course rounds.
The race starts at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, England, and the course runs westward down the English Channel, along the southern coast of England, past Land’s End, across the Celtic Sea to the Fastnet Rock off the southern tip of Ireland, then back to the Channel, and finishes at Cherbourg, France.
The Rolex Fastnet Race
The Rolex Fastnet Race is a world-renowned offshore yacht race that takes place every two years in the United Kingdom. It is organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and attracts some of the best sailors and yachts from around the world. The race typically starts in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and in 2021, the finish line moved from Plymouth, UK to Cherbourg, France. The race is known for its challenging conditions, with sailors having to navigate around the Fastnet Rock off the coast of Ireland before heading back to England. Over the years, the race has seen many exciting finishes and has established itself as one of the premier offshore yacht races in the world.
The Team
The Austrian Ocean Racing Team is a young and ambitious team of international professional sailors. As an entrant into the European legs of the Ocean Race 2023, the self-titled ‘new kids on the block’ are led by Dutch skipper Gerwin Jansen – an accomplished offshore racer with a highly competitive reputation. The team proved their pedigree by topping the podium in the opening stage of the Ocean Race Europe, beating many sailing legends and veterans. Their initial success has been followed by a run of top results in offshore regattas across Europe. This Fastnet campaign will be their first event back after the legendary Ocean Race.
The Campaign
In 2021, we were the first Corinthian team to cross the finish line, so we’re heading out on the water in 2025 to replicate this success. Our Rolex Fastnet Race Campaign starts in Vigo, Spain.
Vigo to Gosport Qualifying Passage – 640NM
17 – 20 July 2025
All members of the Fastnet crew will come onboard for this passage as the official qualifying passage starts. It’s required that the crew has at least 300NM under their belt before the Fastnet race. From Vigo, you will head towards the UK crossing the epic Biscay Bay and into the English channel with overnight sailing and watch systems. During the passage, the professional crew will teach you all that you need to know about how to sail a VO65, including boat handling, maneuvering, sail changes and crew management.
Race Coaching
22 – 24 July 2025
After your epic blast across Biscay and into the Solent, we will stop over in Gosport, UK, for some additional training. This is when the professional crew will refine the skills learned on passage from Vigo and turn you from an ocean sailor to an ocean racer! Please note that accommodation isn’t provided whilst ashore here and you would be wanting your own bed at this point.
Preparation Day
21 July 2025
On this day, there won’t be any sailing. Instead, it’s time to prepare the boat for the race, pour over weather data and make sure we’re all ready for the big race ahead.
Rolex Fastnet Race Start
25 July 2025
Race Finish
Skirting around the Ushant TSS, it’s time to head to the port of Cherbourg for the finish, with around 695NM of some of the most exciting offshore yacht racing under the keel. The estimated race finish is 28 July 2025 however, this could vary due to weather conditions.
The Fastnet has got to be on every sailor’s bucket list as it challenges our inshore and offshore skills.
Please Note
Travel plans for sailing can be affected by a number of factors that are out of our control, such as weather conditions, mechanical problems with the boat, and the availability of marinas and other resources. In some cases, these factors can cause delays or changes to the route, forcing sailors to alter their plans and adapt to the situation. Regardless of the specific circumstances, it’s important for sailors to remain flexible and prepared for the possibility of changes to their travel plans.
Trust Protects
Kraken Travel is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. We are therefore pleased to announce that, at no extra cost to you, and in accordance with the current ”The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations ” for all passengers booking with Kraken Travel we provide full financial protection for our package holidays which don’t include flights, by way of the TMTProtects.me Scheme, operated by Trust My Travel, The Cedars, New Road, Ryhall, Rutland, England, PE9 4HL. For more details please go to trustprotects.me, email [email protected] or telephone our customer service line at +44 1780408141.
From £6795 per person
Deposit £1,000 booking deposit. £2,500 due 25th July 2024. Balance due 25th April 2025
Our team of sailing specialists are on hand to help answer any questions you may have.
Contact Us- A place on the race crew of VO65 “Sisi”
- On the water training
- Race qualification sea miles
- Safety equipment
- Food & drink whilst on-board
- Branded team kit to keep
- Travel to or from the boats
- Food ashore
- Accommodation whilst ashore
- RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety Course
The Volvo 65
Drawn at Farr Yacht Design in the USA especially for the Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 (now the Ocean Race), the strict one-design Vo65 replaced its predecessor, the Vo70. Every Vo65 is structurally identical down to the smallest detail. Same hull, same rig, same sails, same opportunities. This produced some of the closest racing the Ocean Race has ever seen.
As with its predecessor, the basic concept is a planing hull with a wide stern, double rudders, sharp edges and a swivel keel. The reverse bow is new. It extends the waterline and reduces the pounding in short waves, but provides plenty of spray on deck. The lateral plan has also been revised. The Vo65 dispenses with an angle of attack of the swords and instead relies on a lift profile to counteract the drift.
The rig is made by the New Zealand manufacturer Southern Spars. Southern Spars has a closely related history with The Ocean Race. They have been equipping the most successful teams for 25 years and were pioneers with the carbon mast in the 90s.
The entire set of sails is produced by North Sails. The 3Di technology patented by North Sails is also used in the Vo65. The sails are made from RAW760 Ultra PE / Aramid.
RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety Course
Although to qualify for the Rolex Fastnet Race, only 30% of the crew must have completed training to Section 6 of the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations within 5 years of the start of the race; we highly recommend that all crew members take an appropriate sea survival course before joining the crew. While we don’t provide this course ourselves, our team of yacht racing specialists can recommend some trusted providers.
Trust Protects
Kraken Travel is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. We are therefore pleased to announce that, at no extra cost to you, and in accordance with the current ”The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations ” for all passengers booking with Kraken Travel we provide full financial protection for our package holidays which don’t include flights, by way of the TMTProtects.me Scheme, operated by Trust My Travel, The Cedars, New Road, Ryhall, Rutland, England, PE9 4HL. For more details please go to trustprotects.me, email [email protected] or telephone our customer service line on +44 1780408141.
Vigo, Spain – Vigo Airport
Portsmouth, UK
The Rolex Fastnet Race
The Rolex Fastnet Race is a world-renowned offshore yacht race that takes place every two years in the United Kingdom. It is organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and attracts some of the best sailors and yachts from around the world. The race typically starts in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and in 2021, the finish line moved from Plymouth, UK to Cherbourg, France. The race is known for its challenging conditions, with sailors having to navigate around the Fastnet Rock off the coast of Ireland before heading back to England. Over the years, the race has seen many exciting finishes and has established itself as one of the premier offshore yacht races in the world.
The Team
The Austrian Ocean Racing Team is a young and ambitious team of international professional sailors. As an entrant into the European legs of the Ocean Race 2023, the self-titled ‘new kids on the block’ are led by Dutch skipper Gerwin Jansen – an accomplished offshore racer with a highly competitive reputation. The team proved their pedigree by topping the podium in the opening stage of the Ocean Race Europe, beating many sailing legends and veterans. Their initial success has been followed by a run of top results in offshore regattas across Europe. This Fastnet campaign will be their first event back after the legendary Ocean Race.
The Campaign
In 2021, we were the first Corinthian team to cross the finish line, so we’re heading out on the water in 2025 to replicate this success. Our Rolex Fastnet Race Campaign starts in Vigo, Spain.
Vigo to Gosport Qualifying Passage – 640NM
17 – 20 July 2025
All members of the Fastnet crew will come onboard for this passage as the official qualifying passage starts. It’s required that the crew has at least 300NM under their belt before the Fastnet race. From Vigo, you will head towards the UK crossing the epic Biscay Bay and into the English channel with overnight sailing and watch systems. During the passage, the professional crew will teach you all that you need to know about how to sail a VO65, including boat handling, maneuvering, sail changes and crew management.
Race Coaching
22 – 24 July 2025
After your epic blast across Biscay and into the Solent, we will stop over in Gosport, UK, for some additional training. This is when the professional crew will refine the skills learned on passage from Vigo and turn you from an ocean sailor to an ocean racer! Please note that accommodation isn’t provided whilst ashore here and you would be wanting your own bed at this point.
Preparation Day
21 July 2025
On this day, there won’t be any sailing. Instead, it’s time to prepare the boat for the race, pour over weather data and make sure we’re all ready for the big race ahead.
Rolex Fastnet Race Start
25 July 2025
Race Finish
Skirting around the Ushant TSS, it’s time to head to the port of Cherbourg for the finish, with around 695NM of some of the most exciting offshore yacht racing under the keel. The estimated race finish is 28 July 2025 however, this could vary due to weather conditions.
The Fastnet has got to be on every sailor’s bucket list as it challenges our inshore and offshore skills.
Please Note
Travel plans for sailing can be affected by a number of factors that are out of our control, such as weather conditions, mechanical problems with the boat, and the availability of marinas and other resources. In some cases, these factors can cause delays or changes to the route, forcing sailors to alter their plans and adapt to the situation. Regardless of the specific circumstances, it’s important for sailors to remain flexible and prepared for the possibility of changes to their travel plans.
Trust Protects
Kraken Travel is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. We are therefore pleased to announce that, at no extra cost to you, and in accordance with the current ”The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations ” for all passengers booking with Kraken Travel we provide full financial protection for our package holidays which don’t include flights, by way of the TMTProtects.me Scheme, operated by Trust My Travel, The Cedars, New Road, Ryhall, Rutland, England, PE9 4HL. For more details please go to trustprotects.me, email [email protected] or telephone our customer service line at +44 1780408141.
Clothes
Please use a sea bag or a foldable bag. Suitcases are too bulky on board and difficult to stow away.
• Boat shoes (closed and anti-slip – please make sure that the sole does not rub off)
• Sailing boots
• Sailing pants
• Oilskin (waterproof jacket and trousers)
• Fleece jacket or pullover (at sea, it also gets cold at night in summer)
• Thermal underwear
• Hat and cap
• Scarf (optional)
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Sailing gloves
• Underwear
• Clothes for on land
Hygiene/Health
• Sunscreen (no suntan oil!)
• After-sun lotion
• Lip balm (with and without UV-protection)
• Toiletries
• Shower gel and shampoo (if possible biodegradable)
• Personal medication
• Remedies against seasickness
• Sleeping bag
• Earplugs/sleeping mask (optional – it is quite loud under deck)
• Towel
• Small pillow
Safety equipment
• Sailing knife/ Leatherman (if you have one)
• Headlamp (waterproof and red light function, spare batteries)
