How to Follow the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race: A Front-Row Seat to Offshore Sailing History

Over 450 yachts are expected to start the Centenary Rolex Fastnet Race, making it the world’s largest offshore race by participation. Courtesy RORC

This Saturday, July 26, the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Centenary Rolex Fastnet Race will get underway from Cowes, Isle of Wight—and even if you’re nowhere near the Solent, you can still follow every moment of this historic offshore sailing event.

More than 450 yachts from 34 nations are set to start, with crews ranging in age from 14 to 81. From 100-foot maxis and foil-equipped IMOCAs to Class40s and 30-foot family cruisers, the fleet spans the entire spectrum of offshore sailing. For spectators, the race offers a rare opportunity to watch Olympians, Vendée Globe veterans, and weekend sailors compete side by side—sharing the same start line and facing the same legendary challenges.

If you’re a cruising sailor or racing fan, this is one of the few global events where you can track your peers, your heroes, and maybe even your own future ambitions, all in real time.

How to Follow the Fastnet Race Remotely Watch the Start Live

Saturday, July 26 at 1100 BST – Watch the spectacular multi-start sequence as the race begins off the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes. Commentary will be hosted by Holly Hamilton, Dee Caffari, Louay Habib, Nikki Henderson and more.

Start Broadcast URL

Track the Fleet in Real Time

Every yacht is equipped with a YB Tracker, allowing you to follow individual boats, entire classes, or the full fleet.

Tracker Site
Also available via the YB Races app.

Features include:

• Real-time position updates
  
• Corrected-time standings (for IRC)
  
• Interactive leaderboard
  
• Overlays for weather, course marks, and wind data

Live Scoring and Rankings

RORC’s SailRaceHQ platform provides accurate leg-by-leg rankings and corrected-time projections.

Results & Class Timings

Live Blog and Updates

Race journalists will post class updates and twice-daily race synopses with direct input from onboard.

Live Blog

Why This Race Matters to Cruising Sailors

The Rolex Fastnet Race is a proving ground for gear, tactics, and seamanship—but it’s also an accessible event. Many entries are family crews, doublehanded racers, and club sailors. For the cruising community, it’s a chance to see how boats like yours (or those you’re dreaming of) perform under pressure—and maybe even plan to enter yourself someday.

The 695-mile Rolex Fastnet Race course leads from Cowes to Cherbourg via the iconic Fastnet Rock and Bishop Rock, testing sailors at every turn. Courtesy RORC

The race also marks the revival of the Admiral’s Cup, with 15 teams from around the world competing in the Fastnet as the final leg of this iconic series for the first time in decades.

Where to Watch the Start in Person

Land-Based Viewing:

• Best vantage points: Royal Yacht Squadron to Egypt Point (Isle of Wight), Fort Victoria, Fort Albert, or Hurst Castle (mainland side)
  
• Timing: Arrive between 1100 and 1330 BST on Saturday, July 26

On the Water:

• Use extreme caution, especially during the first two starts (Multihulls and IMOCAs)
  
• Stay east of the start line and clear of high-speed competitors

Follow course marshal instructions for spectator zones

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