1/8
Jul 22-29
€3,300
10 spaces available
Take part in one of the world’s most famous offshore races aboard Swan 51 “Eira”. The Rolex Fastnet Race is a true classic and one of the highlights of the international sailing calendar. Starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, the course takes the fleet west through the Solent and along the English coast before crossing the Celtic Sea to the Fastnet Rock off southwest Ireland. After rounding the rock, the fleet heads back across the Channel to the finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France. At approximately 695 nautical miles, the Fastnet is a demanding offshore race combining challenging tidal waters, open-ocean sailing, tactical decision-making and unpredictable weather. It is an unforgettable opportunity to experience serious international yacht racing as an active member of the crew. Previous offshore racing experience is strongly preferred. Participation is subject to a discussion with the skipper regarding sailing experience, fitness and crew suitability. A limited number of places may be available for less-experienced sailors alongside Eira’s qualified core crew. Programme Thursday, 22 July – Arrival and crew introduction Join Swan 51 “Eira” in Cowes (or other nearby marina), settle aboard and meet the skipper and your fellow crew members. We will introduce the boat, campaign programme and personal safety equipment. Friday, 23 July – Training and race preparation Practical training aboard Eira, including sail handling, manoeuvres, watchkeeping and emergency procedures. We will complete the final provisioning and preparations before reviewing the weather forecast, course and race strategy. Saturday, 24 July – Rolex Fastnet Race start Final preparations before leaving the harbour and joining the international fleet off Cowes. Once racing, the crew will work in watches as we head west through the Solent and into the English Channel. 24–28 July – Racing The course takes us past the south coast of England, around Land’s End and across the Celtic Sea to the Fastnet Rock. After rounding this legendary landmark, we return across the Channel towards the finish in Cherbourg. The exact finishing time will depend on the weather and race conditions. A yacht such as Eira would normally expect to spend approximately four days at sea. Wednesday, 28 July – Prize-giving in Cherbourg After finishing, we will secure and tidy the boat before enjoying the atmosphere of the Rolex Fastnet Race Village. The campaign includes the official prize-giving and any crew events covered by the race entry fee. Thursday, 29 July – Campaign ends Goodbyes and departure from the boat.
Take part in the iconic Rolex Fastnet Race onboard a true classic yacht.
Cowes is the beting heart of the British yachting scene
Rounding mark for the race
Fastnet Race finish
Southern Ocean Company Southern Ocean Company has been taking people sailing, racing and across oceans since 2009. Our idea has always been simple: offer genuine sailing experiences on proper yachts, with small crews, active participation and the freedom to enjoy sailing for what it really is. We are not a conventional charter company or sailing school. Our programme ranges from offshore races and international regattas to ocean crossings and relaxed cruising in some of Europe's most beautiful sailing areas. Depending on the adventure, we sail aboard our Swan 51 Eira or our Bavaria 50, choosing the yacht that best suits the character of the trip. At the heart of our offshore and racing programme is Eira, a German Frers-designed Nautor Swan 51. Built in Finland and designed for serious offshore sailing, she combines the craftsmanship and character of a classic Swan with the performance, strength and seaworthiness for which these yachts have become known around the world. Eira has been part of Southern Ocean Company since 2009 and has accumulated an extensive sailing history ranging from ocean crossings to some of Europe's and the Caribbean's best-known regattas. Rather than moving her from event to event by other means, we sail her whenever practical. The passages, changing coastlines and people joining along the way are as much a part of her story as the races themselves. Our cruising programme has a different rhythm. Aboard our Bavaria 50, including our Finnish Archipelago adventures, the emphasis is on discovering places that are best experienced from the water. With a small number of guests, we can remain flexible, explore islands and anchorages away from the usual routes and let weather, curiosity and the crew help shape the journey. Whatever the yacht or destination, life aboard is hands-on. Guests are welcome to helm, trim sails, navigate and take part in the everyday running of the boat. On an ocean passage this can mean watchkeeping, night sailing and learning to live as a crew far from land. During a regatta the focus shifts towards teamwork, boat handling and getting the best possible performance from the yacht. On a summer cruise it may simply mean taking the helm for a few hours before finding a quiet anchorage for the evening. You don't need to be an expert sailor to join many of our adventures. What matters more is curiosity, a willingness to participate and an understanding that sailing is a shared experience. For our more demanding offshore races and ocean passages, previous experience may be required. We deliberately keep the atmosphere informal. Seamanship and safety are taken seriously, and when we race, we race to do well. But sailing is also about the people you meet, dinners after a long day at sea, quiet anchorages, conversations during night watches and the friendships that have a habit of developing when a small group shares a boat. Some people join us for their first real sailing adventure. Others come to race, build offshore miles or cross an ocean. Many return for another chapter. We're going somewhere. Come aboard for part of the journey.
Seb and his Swan 51, Eira, have been part of the charter racing scene since 2009. On board you’ll find the right balance of competitive racing and a friendly, welcoming crew. Between regattas, Eira runs some excellent sailing itineraries as she moves between race venues.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Swan - 51
LOA: 51ft (15.62m)
Beginner
No sailing experience required. Perfect for newcomers.
Intermediate
Some sailing experience helpful. Comfortable on the water.
Advanced
Significant sailing experience required. Challenging conditions.
Active Crew Member
Full participation in all sailing activities.
Optional Involvement
Participate as much or as little as you like.
Passenger
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Yes
Sharing the cooking & washing up
18
The Fastnet Race has the reputation of being one of the toughest offshore races in the world. We have done it in 2023 and 2025, both very different experiences. It's definitely a challenge which should not be taken lightly. At best it's as any other race but then there is a completely different version as in 2023 when most of the fleet had to abandon race. If you are wondering if you have it in you, it's not your event.
Pike with boat and race logo
Preparatory race for the Fastnet Race
8-14°C
Variable conditions, longer days returning. Layers essential.
14-18°C
Improving conditions, good sailing with longer daylight.
18-24°C
Peak season with longest days. Variable winds, warmest waters.
12-18°C
Cooler temperatures, stronger winds. Experienced sailors.
6-10°C
Cold with challenging conditions. Limited sailing.
8-14°C
Variable conditions, longer days returning. Layers essential.
14-18°C
Improving conditions, good sailing with longer daylight.
18-24°C
Peak season with longest days. Variable winds, warmest waters.
12-18°C
Cooler temperatures, stronger winds. Experienced sailors.
6-10°C
Cold with challenging conditions. Limited sailing.
Tried and tested sailing experiences, from our pick of the world's best operators
All our trips are led by qualified skippers and sailing instructors
We only work with the most reputable sailing operators and yacht providers
Perfect for solo sailors looking to join a crew or groups wanting to charter
Our team is on-hand 24/7 to help you before, during and after your adventure
From €3,300 EUR per person
Secure your place today from €990 EUR
Prices shown in USD are approximate conversions, using today's conversion rate. This trip is priced by the operator in EUR and payment will be taken in EUR.