Purpose and Scope of this guide

Welcome to the new Rolex Fastnet Race guide. This guide is intended to de-mystify the entry process and to help make your entry into the Rolex Fastnet Race as easy as possible. It is not to be treated as a replacement for the Rolex Fastnet Race Notice of Race available here.

The guide is based around you, the competitor, and we will be updating it frequently to reflect your feedback so as to improve the experience for everyone. If you have further questions or suggestions then please email the Race Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (please put the Sail Number and Boat Name in the subject field).

To help you access the information you need please choose below which description suits you best.

Choose your level of experience

This is my first Rolex Fastnet and/or RORC Race - I'd like to read the complete guide

I competed in the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race - what's new for 2023?

The following list of charts is only a selection of charts covering the course area and is designed as a guide for competitors. The responsibility for the choice of charts and other publications carried is the sole and inescapable responsibility of the person in charge. Persons in charge should consider which detailed charts might be required for ports of refuge.

Click on the Read more link to see the list.

Course

Starting from The Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, yachts will race on a course of approx 695 nautical miles via the Fastnet Rock to the finish line at the western end of the breakwater in Cherbourg.

Distances between notable points on the course (approx)

• Cowes – Needles 16 nm
• Needles – Portland Bill 34 nm
• Portland – Start Point 54 nm
• Start Point – Lizard 60 nm
• Lizard – Lands End 22 nm
• Land's End – Fastnet 170 nm
• Fastnet Rock – Scillies 150 nm
• Scillies – Cherbourg 189 nm

Total = 695 nautical miles

There is a comprehensive history of the great race on this web site; but here are some more facts about the Rolex Fastnet Race. 2023 marks the 50^th edition of the historic race with another record fleet predicted to take part.

Q: Where in the world is approx. 695 nautical miles from Cowes?

A: Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo, Vienna, Palma and Cherbourg via Fastnet Rock..