Rolex Fastnet Race – Preview 2021

The Rolex Fastnet Race returns on Sunday 8 August. In 2021, Rolex celebrates twenty years as partner of this legendary race and its organizers Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). The Rolex Fastnet, first held in 1925, is a cornerstone of the Swiss watchmaker’s longstanding support for offshore sailing and, in particular, historic 600-nautical mile races. An international fleet of over 300 yachts from 30 countries are expected to participate in the 49th edition, and the event’s impressive standing and reputation was demonstrated by the entry list filling in less than an hour in January. The race will start from Cowes on the Isle of Wight with the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS), another longstanding partner of Rolex, providing the backdrop. A gruelling and momentous 695-nautical mile (1287-km) challenge lies ahead. Crews will often be exposed to an unforgiving Atlantic weather system as they negotiate the open waters of the Celtic Sea. The highlight of the course remains the rounding of the mythical Fastnet rock locate