Nearly 400 people have already registered for the race
Just one hour after registration opened on January 11, 2023, 433 participants had booked their place on the starting line of the Rolex Fastnet Race anchored in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. The last participation record dates back to 2019, with 388 competitors registered. And that number is far from fixed, as RORC members or those participating in certain events are given extra time. The professional classes, such as IMOCA, Ultim, Class40, Ocean Fifty or Figaro 3, as well as some multihull classes have not yet validated their entries and have until April 14 to do so. This means that this 50th edition of the Rolex Fasnet will be very competitive!
The United Kingdom is the leader, closely followed by France
So far, the most represented country in terms of entries is the United Kingdom, with 166 boats registered, followed closely by France with 118 entries. According to the first analysis of the RORC race team, many Sun Fast 3300 and 3600 boats will be present, as well as JPK 10.10, 10.80 and 11.80, winners of three of the last five editions in IRC compensated time.
A broken race record?
As of now, registrants must qualify and complete the required number of race miles before the start on July 22, 2023. Over the past 98 years, the Rolex Fastnet has become the most important offshore race in the world. Amateurs and professionals alike must complete a 600-mile course. Competitors must sail around the mythical Fastnet lighthouse from Cowes, before turning around and heading back to Cherbourg, France, the finish city since the last edition in 2021. The record for the new route is held by the Maxi Edmond de Rotschild in 1 day, 9 hours, 14 minutes and 54 seconds.
