The 100th Rolex Fastnet Race
The 2025 edition marks the 100th anniversary of the race, which began in 1925. Over the years, the Fastnet Race has grown to become the world’s largest offshore race, attracting a diverse fleet ranging from amateur sailors to professional crews. The challenging course takes competitors past landmarks such as The Needles, Land’s End, and the Fastnet Rock off Ireland’s southwest coast before finishing in Cherbourg.
In the 2023 edition, the French IMOCA 60 yacht MACIF Santé Prévoyance, skippered by Charlie Dalin with co-skipper Pascal Bidégorry, made history by clinching monohull line honours. They completed the course in 2 days, 7 hours, 16 minutes, and 26 seconds, setting a new monohull course record and marking the first time an IMOCA-class yacht achieved this feat in the race’s history .
MACIF Santé Prévoyance is a state-of-the-art IMOCA 60 monohull, launched in 2023. Designed by Guillaume Verdier and constructed by CDK Technologies, the yacht features advanced carbon construction, a wing mast, and foils, enabling it to achieve high speeds and stability in challenging conditions. The vessel’s innovative design played a crucial role in its success during the Fastnet Race.
Charlie Dalin, a prominent figure in offshore sailing, has a history of impressive performances, including a second-place finish in the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe. His expertise and strategic acumen were instrumental in navigating MACIF through the complex weather systems and strong currents characteristic of the Fastnet course. The victory not only underscores Dalin’s skill but also highlights the capabilities of the IMOCA class in offshore racing.
The 2023 Fastnet Race saw a competitive field, with the top nine IMOCA yachts finishing within an hour of each other. This close competition reflects the high level of performance and technological advancement within the class. MACIF’s triumph serves as a testament to the evolution of yacht design and the increasing prominence of IMOCA vessels in major offshore races.
Looking ahead, MACIF Santé Prévoyance and Charlie Dalin continue to be formidable contenders in the offshore racing circuit. Their success in the Fastnet Race adds to a legacy of excellence and sets a new benchmark for future competitions. The achievements of MACIF in the 2023 Fastnet Race exemplify the synergy between cutting-edge technology and exceptional seamanship in the pursuit of sailing excellence.