The signal sounded at 11.10am in a typically British setting with overcast skies, a light squall and a 10-12 knot southwesterly. For the 51st Rolex Fastnet Race, 444 boats set off from Cowes, Isle of Wight, a start steeped in history a hundred years after the very first edition in 1925 when there were just seven. In 2025, the fleet line up hail from 34 countries and comprise more than 3,500 sailors. Among them are the boats taking part in the week-long Admiral’s Cup which culminates in the Fastnet.
The weather forecast suggests it will be a tricky race after a fast start heading to Ireland, then more complex transition zones in the Celtic Sea and English Channel. The smallest detail could make or break an arrival time in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, as keeping a clear head and anticipation will be key in such a big fleet. This Fastnet looks set to go down to the wire and therefore also the final overall ranking of the Admiral’s Cup.
For the grand return after a two-decade absence of the Admiral’s Cup, Yacht Club de Monaco is fielding two boats: Jolt 3 helmed by Peter Harrison in AC Class 1, and Jolt 6 skippered by YCM vice-president Pierre Casiraghi in AC Class 2. Mid-way through this event of offshore and inshore races, the highlight being the Fastnet (coefficient 3), and the Monegasque team is lying second in the provisional teams ranking. YCM member, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati has also entered two boats Django WR51 (AC1) and Django JPK (AC2).
Meanwhile, outside the Admiral’s Cup fleet, other YCM members are flying the Club flag in the big monohull category. In the Monohull Line Honours group, Black Jack belonging to Remon Vos, and helmed by Tristan Le Brun, member of YCM’s Captains Club, is on the hunt for victory. They face stiff competition from the likes of another YCM member, Joost Schuijff’s Leopard 3 and top name outsiders. Of particular note is the participation of the young Didier Schouten, form the Sports Section of the YCM, on board the Ocean Breeze. In the IRC Overall ranking, all eyes will also be on the corrected time finishers, as they will in the IRC Super Zero category for the Maxi monohulls, AC Class 1 and AC Class 2 for the Admiral’s Cup.
Last but not least in the multihulls, Oren Nataf is flying the YCM flag on his Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert. Having already left his mark on the 2021 Fastnet in this category, he returns this year with his ambition intact to play a lead role. Whether in real time or corrected time, the challenge is daunting against such tough competition but the Monaco skipper knows the score on this race and how to take advantage of changeable conditions.
With boats entered in almost every major category, Yacht Club de Monaco confirms its position at the highest level of ocean racing. The 51st Rolex Fastnet Race looks set to be a game-changer for the Club. A week under pressure offshore where anything can happen.
