ROLEX FASTNET RACE
ROLEX FASTNET RACE 2027: The iconic offshore race sets sail once more for Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in 300 days
From 22 to 30 July 2027, the Normandy region is set to take the international offshore racing world by storm. Building on the success of the centenary celebrations, local stakeholders and the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) have officially confirmed the return of the world’s largest offshore sailing event.
From 22 to 30 July 2027, the Normandy region is set to take the international offshore racing world by storm. Building on the success of the centenary celebrations, local stakeholders and the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) have officially confirmed the return of the world’s largest offshore sailing event.
As a new sailing season dawns, the City of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the Cotentin Urban Community, the Department of La Manche and the Normandy Region are jointly announcing the return of the Rolex Fastnet Race for its 52nd edition.
For this latest edition, Port Chantereyne is preparing to welcome a spectacular fleet of over 400 yachts and nearly 3,000 sailors. ULTIM, IMOCA, Class40 or mass-produced yachts skippered by passionate crews: all will set sail from Cowes to tackle the Fastnet Rock before heading for the Cotentin. This announcement follows on from an exceptional 2025 edition.
Rolex Fastnet Race Village © Armel Vrac
2025: The centenary edition – a record-breaking year
Celebrating a century of maritime legend, the 2025 edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race will go down as an exceptional event, bringing together all the ingredients for sporting, popular and regional success.
With 421 yachts crossing the finish line, the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race attracted the world’s largest offshore racing fleet. From production monohulls to the ULTIM and IMOCA giants, more than 3,000 sailors from 50 nations competed on the legendary 695 nautical mile course. Benefiting from ideal weather conditions, the event delivered races of rare intensity whilst recording a historically low withdrawal rate.
The sporting drama reached its climax with the historic victory of Cherbourg-based skipper Alexis Loison, partnered by Jean-Pierre Kelbert aboard the JPK 1050 Léon. By clinching the title in the overall IRC classification and in his class, the sailor from Normandy sent his home port into raptures, writing one of the finest chapters of his career on home soil.
For nine days, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin was transformed into the capital of maritime festivities:
More than 130,000 visitors strolled through the streets of the Plage Verte village to cheer on the arriving boats.
330 free events, including concerts, water sports workshops and awards ceremonies, brought the local community to life.
Free access to the jetties : thousands of enthusiasts and curious onlookers were able to get up close to the boats free of charge and chat directly with the skippers.
2027: Looking ahead to an ambitious and popular 52nd edition
Building on this momentum, the four exclusive finish-line partners (the City of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the Cotentin Urban Community, the Department of La Manche and the Normandy Region), working in close collaboration with the RORC, are already preparing for the 52nd edition.
Under the leadership of Manuela Mahier, President of the Rolex Fastnet Race Finish Association, the roadmap centres on two strategic priorities:
1. Technical support of the highest standard: providing optimal port facilities at Chantereyne Harbour to welcome over 3,000 sailors, both amateur and professional.
2. A popular maritime festival: to offer nine days of entertainment accessible to all, enabling the general public to engage with those involved in ocean racing.
Whilst the main event is scheduled for July 2027, preparations will shape life in the Cotentin region over the coming months, involving local residents in the adventure well in advance.
“ The Rolex Fastnet Race attracts an international sailing community, and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin has become a very special part of that community. The welcome we receive here is exceptional, both on the water and ashore, and the enthusiasm of the people of Cherbourg makes the finish a highlight for sailors and spectators alike. After the success of 2025, we are very pleased to be returning in 2027 and look forward to building an even stronger partnership with the city and the wider Cotentin region. ” Deb Fish, Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club
“It is a source of immense pride and a real joy to welcome the Rolex Fastnet Race back once again. To see our region come alive to the rhythm of this legendary race, and to experience that unique buzz in our race village, is a wonderful honour. Sailing and the sea are in our DNA: we are ready to offer both the crews and the general public a great, popular and unforgettable maritime celebration. ” Manuela Mahier, President of the Association Arrivée Fastnet Cherbourg
Key figures for the 2027 edition
- Village dates: 22–30 July 2027
- Departure from Cowes: Saturday 24 July 2027
- Fleet & sailors: Over 400 yachts, nearly 4,000 crew members of 30 nationalities
- Audience: Over 130,000 visitors expected at the race village
- Finish line partners: City of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Cotentin Urban Community, Department of La Manche, Normandy Region