22nd July 2025 to 30th July 2025
VO65: Rolex Fastnet Race Campaign 2025
The Rolex Fastnet Race is one of the most demanding races in the world. Crossing the Celtic Sea to round the Fastnet Rock off the coast of Ireland, the race finishes in Cherbourg, France.
The race starts, on July 22nd, from the famous Royal Squadron start line off 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 off Cherbourg, France. This campaign will be based out of Gosport, which is located in Portsmouth Harbour on the south coast of mainland UK. The full race campaign starts on July 22nd and whilst the race may be completed as early as the 28th you should leave enough time for weather delays possibly 5 days in total for the race and the return to the UK. Please note that the yacht will return directly to the UK once the finish line has been crossed due to draft restrictions in the marina.
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
All of the training will now be based out of Gosport on the south coast of the UK and run from July 22nd – until the completion of the Fastnet race which is expected to be approx. July 28th. The race starts off Cowes, Isle of Wight at the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line.
The dates for this VO65 Rolex Fastnet Race campaign are as follows:
22nd July – 10:00 welcome, briefing, training in the afternoon – focus on basic manoeuvres tacking and gybing.
23rd July – Training all day – focus on sail changes, peeling and manoeuvres to be expected during the race
24th July – Training all day – pre-start drill, deeper manoeuvres, crew party in the evening
25th July – Lay day and race briefing
26th July – Rolex Fastnet Race Start
The skipper will also decide if night training is useful for Day 2 of the programme; if the crew are proficient with the sail changes etc.
Since a Fastnet race can be incredibly tough it will be very important that the crew are solid with all race manoeuvres and sail changes to ensure a competitive entry as well as a safe and fast sail around the course. This campaign provides the opportunity to train with an enhanced focus on manoeuvres and sail changes. In total, there will be three training days based out of Gosport to cover the miles required to qualify with a variety of Channel legs.
Please note that the yacht will be based at Gosport, located in Portsmouth Harbour on the south coast of mainland UK. This is served by excellent air, road & rail links with both Gatwick & Heathrow International airports nearby as well as the regional airport of Southampton. There are direct trains to Portsmouth Harbour from London.
Rolex Fastnet Race Start
26 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 so please ensure you can be available for up to 5 days for the race.
The Rolex Fastnet race 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.
From £6795 per person
Deposit £3,500. 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
- Appropriate Offshore Racing Insurance
- Food ashore
- Accommodation whilst ashore – required during training period*
- RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety Course
*Further information available on request
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.
Gosport on the south coast of the UK
Please note that the yacht will be based at Gosport, located in Portsmouth Harbour on the south coast of mainland UK. This is served by excellent air, road & rail links with both Gatwick & Heathrow International airports nearby as well as the regional airport of Southampton. There are direct trains to Portsmouth Harbour from London.
Please note that the yacht will sail back to Gosport directly having crossed the finish line off Cherbourg. Due to draft restriction in the marina the yacht will not be berthing in Cherbourg.
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
All of the training will now be based out of Gosport on the south coast of the UK and run from July 22nd – until the completion of the Fastnet race which is expected to be approx. July 28th. The race starts off Cowes, Isle of Wight at the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line.
The dates for this VO65 Rolex Fastnet Race campaign are as follows:
22nd July – 10:00 welcome, briefing, training in the afternoon – focus on basic manoeuvres tacking and gybing.
23rd July – Training all day – focus on sail changes, peeling and manoeuvres to be expected during the race
24th July – Training all day – pre-start drill, deeper manoeuvres, crew party in the evening
25th July – Lay day and race briefing
26th July – Rolex Fastnet Race Start
The skipper will also decide if night training is useful for Day 2 of the programme; if the crew are proficient with the sail changes etc.
Since a Fastnet race can be incredibly tough it will be very important that the crew are solid with all race manoeuvres and sail changes to ensure a competitive entry as well as a safe and fast sail around the course. This campaign provides the opportunity to train with an enhanced focus on manoeuvres and sail changes. In total, there will be three training days based out of Gosport to cover the miles required to qualify with a variety of Channel legs.
Please note that the yacht will be based at Gosport, located in Portsmouth Harbour on the south coast of mainland UK. This is served by excellent air, road & rail links with both Gatwick & Heathrow International airports nearby as well as the regional airport of Southampton. There are direct trains to Portsmouth Harbour from London.
Rolex Fastnet Race Start
26 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 so please ensure you can be available for up to 5 days for the race.
The Rolex Fastnet race 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.
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)
