The Rolex Fastnet Race is one of offshore sailing’s supreme proving grounds, a searing test of human endeavour. The 2025 contest, marking the centenary of the race’s founding, was no exception. More benign conditions than those that characterized the previous two editions meant a less physical affair – but as tactical as ever – for the record fleet of 444 entries that embarked from Cowes in southern England. The 695 nautical mile course to Cherbourg, France, via the legendary Fastnet Rock off southern Ireland, challenged mental powers, testing strategy and tenacity. Nailing that process were Léon from France, which won the Fastnet Challenge Cup for overall victory under IRC time correction, French trimaran SVR Lazartigue, the first to finish, and Black Jack 100 of Monaco, which secured monohull line honours. Rolex has supported the race and its organizer, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, since 2001, the partnership being a pillar of the brand’s relationship with yachting dating back almost 70 years. Discover more https://on.rolex.com/47e4Nao
Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.
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