Start of the 49th Rolex Fastnet Race - Afloat Magazine - Start of the 49th Rolex Fastnet Race

Cowes, 08 August 2021 – Today’s start of the 49th Rolex Fastnet Race was a spectacular sight. A strong south-westerly combined with an outgoing tide provided the 337-boat international fleet with a tough, early test in this demanding race.

First held in 1925, the Rolex Fastnet Race is organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Rolex has partnered the event since 2001 and the biennial offshore race is one of the foundations of the Swiss Watchmaker’s six-decade-long association with the sport of yachting. 2021 marks a significant chapter in the race history, with the finish in Cherbourg, France rather than Plymouth, England.

Hurst Castle Light marks the western end of The Solent

The 49th Rolex Fastnet Race fleet set off from the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes, England at the start of the 695 nm race

The supermaxi Skorpios, the largest yacht in the race, encounters steep waves as she enters the English Channel

The trimarans are the fastest yachts in the 337 boat fleet

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