The Ocean Racing Circuit
The world’s largest Offshore Race, the Biennial Rolex Fastnet Race has been an established fixture on the ocean racing circuit since 1925. The 605-nautical mile race is a test of strategy and skill with challenging tidal currents and changeable weather. The fleet starts off the royal yacht squadron in cowes, races out of the solent and across the often tempestuousceltic sea to the fastnet rock, before returning on a reciprocal course to the finish off plymouth. 2019 Marks. The 48th edition.
Burnishing The Legend
Tugust 8, 2019, Plymouth. The Fastnet Race is one of the most challenging sailing competitions and almost 100 years of tradition. By winning the 2019 race, co-owners David and Peter Askew with the crew of the American yacht, Wizard, have become part of the enduring legend.
Thorough preparation and excellent sailing combined with determination and resilience, their pursuit of excellence unquestionable.
First held in 1925, and organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Cub ever since Rolex has supported the 605nm race since 2001.
Offshore racing has been at the heart of Swiss Watchmaker’s six-decade-long partnership with sailing since the 1960s when pioneering sailors relied upon Rolex watches on their voyages around the globe.
Overall Winner
This year, the 48th edition attracted a record fleet of 388 yachts, of which 333 were competing for the overall win on handicap.
Winning this race is a remarkable achievement, even for a team on a roll; Wizard has already achieved handicap victories in the 2019 Transatlantic Race and the RORC Caribbean 600.
The boat has real pedigree: winning the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race as Groupama 4 and, subsequently, the 2016 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as Giacomo.