Offshore racing has always been at the heart of Rolex, the swiss watchmaking brand. For six long decades, the Swisses have stood as partners with the pioneers of sailing, who have taken on their voyages a Rolex. Following this bond, once again the Swiss brand came back with the 48th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race this year, where a record-breaking fleet of 388 yachts came in. Out of these 388 yachts, 333 were in for competition for the overall win. Winning this race, surely comes a big milestone achieved as the Rolex Fastnet Race is one of sailing’s ultimate challenges: a racecourse that has achieved mythic status. This year, co-owners David and Peter Askew with the crew of the American yacht, Wizard made it out as winners. Thorough preparation and impeccable sailing were combined with determination and resilience, their pursuit of excellence unquestionable.
“It’s one of the premiers ocean racing events in the world and has a magnificent history. I think it is one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, to win. It has so many features to be mastered. You have to master all of them properly to get a good result. Our win is credit to our organisation and experience.”
– David Askew on winning
“The Rolex Fastnet is a legend. It is one of my favourite raes. There are not so many like this. The south coast of England is very tricky. Crossing the Celtic Sea is special and when you pass the rock, it is like passing Cape Horn. It is something else.”
– Caudrelier
In 2011, during the race, George David lost the keel of his then yacht Rambler 100. Eight years later, David went to build a new yacht after his rescue. This latest yacht was 88ft and the current Rambler that participated in the 48th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race.
David consecutively registered himself as first to finish the Rolex Fastnet Race. He came within one hour and 16 minutes after setting a new monohull race world record.
The view at of the cannons at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes marking the 48th Rolex Fastnet Race.
The picture depicts the beginning of the Rolex Fastnet Race right in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes. The scene is captured in a spectacular sight.
The 48th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race passes between the Needles and Hurst Castle. This was during the exit to the Solent.
Marking the exit to the Solent is the Needles during the Rolex Fastnet Race.
The leading yachts at the Rolex Fastnet Race encountered a bad and heavy weather that was typical of the sea. This happened while they crossed the Celtic Sea.
The Rolex Fastnet Race like any other race does not end at the rock rounding, instead they go beyond to a rock rounding. With this, they are still remain with more than 200nm of racing before they finish off at Plymouth.
A new race record was set at the 48th edition Rolex Fastnet Race where the 100 foot Ultime Trimaran Maxi Edmond De Rothschild won the Multihill Line Honours.
The picture portrays the Fastnet Rock that stands as an emblematic icon for the Rolex Fastnet Race.
The iconic and easily recognised Fastnet Rock stands isolated at the southern tip of the Ireland.
As the 100 foot SHK Scallywag rounded the Fastnet Rock it dwarfed away into the steep waters of the sea.
The first american yacht to round the Fastnet Rock was the Rambler.
388 boat fleet heads towards west down the Solent pursued by Rambler and Scallywag from USA and Hong Kong respectively.
