HRH The Princess Royal officially started this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line off Cowes on Saturday (26th July).
She later initiated the Admiral’s Cup Class departure with the press of a button from the RYS Platform.
Just after 12:00, spectators witnessed a dramatic highlight when the Red Arrows performed a flypast over the 30 Admiral’s Cup yachts as they sailed from Cowes towards the Needles.
Following the race starts, The Princess Royal and her husband Sir Tim Laurence – joined by the Isle of Wight’s Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon – crossed to the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Clubhouse. There, they met with RORC members, including past Commodores and Admirals, led by current Admiral Janet Grosvenor. Current Commodore Deb Fish is competing in this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race, sailing double-handed with Rob Craigie aboard ‘Bellino’.
The RORC is marking a significant milestone in 2025, celebrating both its 100th anniversary and 100 years of the Fastnet Race. Visitors to the refurbished Cowes Clubhouse can view a special exhibition chronicling the club’s century-long history.
