Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race | North Sails & RORC

What does it really take to prepare for the Rolex Fastnet Race? In a North Sails masterclass hosted in collaboration with @RORCRacing, four experts came together to share their best advice for tackling the world’s largest offshore race. Rolex Fastnet monohull record-holder and North expert Ian Walker led the discussion, joined by professional navigator Campbell Field, North Sails expert Ronan Grealish, and RORC Griffin coach Hugh Brayshaw. Filmed live at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse and now available to watch on demand, this race prep session covers everything from navigation planning and historical weather patterns to boat and crew readiness. The panel also dives into smart sail selection—including storm sails and flying headsails—plus watch systems, reefing, and key timing. It all wraps with five expert tips to help you reach the Fastnet Rock—and return—with confidence. Whether you're racing this year or planning ahead, this session is packed with insights that can make all the difference. Learn more about North Sails at https://www.northsails.com/ Discover the power of North 3Di: https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Offshore Pro Ellie Driver Shares Her Tips: https://albc.us/tips #RORC #NorthSails #sailing #yachtracing #offshoreracing #fastnet #rolex Chapters: 00:00 - 2:19 Intro 2:19 – 7:58 Nav Prep 7:58 – 12:02 Boat Prep 12:02 – 16:49 Crew Prep 16:49 – 18:16 Crew Gear 18:16 – 23:00 Watch Systems 23:00 - 25:14 Walk the course 25:14 - 31:55 Historic Weather 31:55 – 36:00 Sail Choices 36:00 – 38:45 Storm Sails 38:45 - 43:51 Flying Headsails 43:51 – 46:16 Reefing 46:16 – 53:38 Sail Choices 53:38 – 54:30 Key Dates 54:30 – END 5 Top Tips