The Rolex Fastnet Race represents one of sailing’s greatest contests. The 45th edition of Europe’s oldest offshore race will take place in August, with a gripping and punishing 608-nautical mile journey from Cowes, Isle of Wight to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock, off the southern tip of Ireland. An amazing and record number of 380 yachts is expected to participate in the biennial race this year.
Spectacular Solent at the start of the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race - Photo by Rolex /Carlo Borlenghi
In response to the immense demand and popularity of the event, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) increased the limit for this year’s fleet after the entry list was filled within 24 hours of opening. Over twenty countries and territories from five continents will be represented, with crews comprising both fully professional and amateur.
The Rolex Fastnet is a genuine rite of passage for any sailor. Conditions can be harsh and are always changeable. The race is as notoriously difficult to finish, as it is to win. The competition is democratic: the handicap system applied to the main body of the fleet means the overall winner can spring from any size of yacht. Niklas Zennström’s 21.94m/72-foot British Mini Maxi sailing yacht Rán 2 is the defending champion and is seeking to make history by becoming the first boat to win the race three times in a row: an achievement that would border on the miraculous.
The Rolex Fastnet Race Fleet at the Solent - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Current race record holder, the Volvo Open 70 yacht Abu Dhabi from the United Arab Emirates, skippered by Ian Walker, will set out to defend her line honours title and to better the benchmark monohull time of 42 hours, 39 minutes she set in 2011. Abu Dhabi will be wary of her competition. Igor Simcic’s 30.48m/100-ft pan-European Maxi superyacht Esimit Europa 2, the undisputed fastest boat in the Mediterranean, is taking part for the first time. Mike Slade’s primarily British crewed 100-ft Maxi charter yacht ICAP Leopard, twice the event’s fastest finisher (2007, 2009), will be tough to beat given the right mix of conditions.
Rolex has sponsored the Rolex Fastnet Race since 2001 and recently extended its commitment until 2021. A dedicated Press Kit – available in various languages – explores the history of the event and previews the 2013 edition. A glimpse into the event’s iconic appeal is provided by an accompanying photo story.
2011 Rolex Fastnet Race Trophies - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The race start from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is scheduled for Sunday 11 August, with the first warning signal at 10:50 BST.
