In July 2025, CatZero proudly took part in the Rolex Fastnet Race, one of the world’s most challenging offshore events. It was the 100th anniversary edition of this legendary race, with a 695-mile course from Cowes to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
What follows is a first-hand account from our Director of Sailing and Skipper, Danny Watson, who led the CatZero crew through every stage of the race. From the Red Arrows fly-past at the start line to the final surge across the finish, Danny shares the challenges, tactics and teamwork that made this Fastnet truly unforgettable.
So there we were on the start line, Saturday 26th July. All the preparations complete: classroom courses, qualifying races, safety checks. Now it was time to race.
A fly-past from the Red Arrows lit the sky just before our 10-minute gun — and suddenly we were in race mode. Jostling for clear air on the line, we fought for the south end of the line where we could take advantage of the stronger tide and, hopefully, get the jump on the three other Challenge 72s and the Clipper fleet, our main competition.
Stage 1 – Start to The Needles
Our goal was a safe, clean start. But it’s always a boost to be first through the Needles. We crossed well south on the line, worked the tide to perfection, and gained a few boat lengths on our rivals. We chose the Yankee 2 over the bigger Yankee 1, a decision that paid off as the wind built, giving us the power we needed while keeping manoeuvres sharp and efficient. The team executed brilliantly, and we led the Challenge 72s out of the Needles Channel.
Stage 2 – To Land’s End and the Scillies
Squalls hit us hard for an hour, driving rain and strong gusts, but the crew held their focus. As the breeze eased, we smoothly changed up to the Yankee 1, a well-practiced manoeuvre that kept us moving fast. With the wind shifting northwest, we powered down past Portland Bill and Start Point, then tacked north towards Lizard Point to ride the west-going tide.
We squeezed between the Scillies and the traffic separation scheme with the last of the north-going tide, while the fleet behind was forced south. Stage 2 complete – still leading.
Stage 3 – Across to the rock
This was a game of patience and judgment, working the shifts as we headed northwest. We positioned ourselves far enough to the west to let the forecasted shift help our final approach, and the call was spot on.
In murky darkness, surrounded by other yachts, we tacked tightly round the Fastnet Rock. The crew’s focus was absolute. Stage 3 complete.
Stage 4 – Home to Cherbourg
Now it was downwind all the way. With wind and sea building, we poled out the Yankee rather than risk a spinnaker, a safe, steady choice. By mid-morning conditions settled and up went our trusty heavyweight kite. CatZero surged east.
Approaching the Scillies, we were 38 miles clear of Challenger 4. Within two hours the lead was down to 31, they were charging hard. We held our nerves through a long, light-air night, spinnaker drawing in barely a breath of breeze, every helmsman and trimmer coaxing every tenth of a knot from 45 tons of yacht.
Near the Channel Islands, the wind nearly vanished. At one point we even prepared to anchor in 100 metres of water to avoid being swept back by the tide. Concentration was total. Twice we gybed to stay clear of the traffic separation scheme and a costly penalty. Just in time, we slipped free on the last of the fair tide before the Aldernay Race kicked in.
One final drama: a spinnaker wrap. Quick thinking and slick teamwork had it flying again in minutes. A last gybe, the finish line in sight, and then it was done.
The Result
CatZero had beaten all three Challenge 72s, the closest just two hours behind, by a margin of only 2% after more than 4 days of racing. Even more remarkably, we crossed ahead of the entire Clipper fleet.
This was the result of a crew performing at the very highest level. It is always a privilege to race the Fastnet, it was an even bigger privilege to sail with this team… thank you!
The 100th anniversary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race covered 695 miles from Cowes to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. 2026 will not see a Fastnet, but we will be back in 2027 and if you would like to register your interest, please contact [email protected].
Before then, we have some incredible sails planned for 2026. These include a 400-mile North Sea challenge from the Humber estuary to the Netherlands, and a spectacular voyage to Norway. I look forward to seeing many of you on board for the next adventure.
Find out more here: https://catzero.org/sailing/