Take on the 2027 Rolex Fastnet Race with Sailing Hounds
Join the crew of Mad Dash for an unforgettable offshore sailing campaign culminating in one of the world’s most famous yacht races – the 2027 Rolex Fastnet Race.
​
Sailing Hounds is offering sailors the opportunity to become part of a dedicated Fastnet crew, training and racing together throughout a structured programme of RORC offshore qualifying races before taking on the main event itself.
This is much more than securing a place aboard a yacht for the Rolex Fastnet Race. It is an opportunity to experience the complete journey – developing your offshore sailing and racing skills, becoming part of a committed crew and building valuable experience together before lining up for one of sailing’s greatest challenges.
​
Individual campaign places are £5,100 per person, or Mad Dash can be secured exclusively for a whole-boat campaign for £36,500.
Experience One of the World’s Great Offshore Yacht Races
Join the crew of Mad Dash for an unforgettable offshore sailing campaign culminating in one of the world’s most famous yacht races – the 2027 Rolex Fastnet Race.
​
Sailing Hounds is offering sailors the opportunity to become part of a dedicated Fastnet crew, training and racing together throughout a structured programme of RORC offshore qualifying races before taking on the main event itself.
This is much more than securing a place aboard a yacht for the Rolex Fastnet Race. It is an opportunity to experience the complete journey – developing your offshore sailing and racing skills, becoming part of a committed crew and building valuable experience together before lining up for one of sailing’s greatest challenges.​
Your Complete 2027 Fastnet Campaign
Preparing for the Rolex Fastnet Race requires much more than turning up at the start line. Crew members must gain the necessary offshore racing experience and complete qualifying mileage before participating in the main race.
Our 2027 Fastnet programme has therefore been designed as a complete sailing campaign, giving the crew the opportunity to train, race and develop together over several offshore events.
​
The provisional programme includes:
RORC Myth of Malham Race
Provisional: May 2027 | Approximately 235 nautical miles
​
An important offshore race and an excellent opportunity for the crew to begin developing the teamwork, watch systems and racing skills required for the Fastnet campaign.
​​
RORC Cowes–Dinard–St Malo Race
Provisional: July 2027 | Approximately 151 nautical miles
A classic cross-Channel offshore race taking the fleet from Cowes towards the Brittany coast and the historic port of Saint-Malo.
RORC Channel Race
Provisional : 17th July 2027
​
The campaign is expected to include the RORC Channel Race or another suitable qualifying event, depending upon the final 2027 RORC calendar and Rolex Fastnet Race qualification requirements.
​
Rolex Fastnet Race 2027
Start Date - 24th July 2027
​
The culmination of the campaign – taking everything the crew has learned and experienced together to the start line at Cowes for the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Final dates and the qualifying programme will be confirmed following publication of the official 2027 RORC calendar and race requirements.
Race the Fastnet Aboard Mad Dash
Your Fastnet campaign will take place aboard Mad Dash, Sailing Hounds’ Elan 410.
Designed for performance offshore, the Elan 410 combines speed, responsive handling and proven offshore capability, making Mad Dash an exciting yacht on which to develop your racing skills and take on the Fastnet challenge.
​
The yacht is equipped with a high-performance Doyle Stratis sail inventory together with dedicated downwind sails, providing the crew with a competitive offshore racing platform throughout the qualifying programme and the Rolex Fastnet Race itself.
​
More importantly, you will be sailing as part of a team. Racing together during the build-up allows crew members to understand the yacht, learn each other’s strengths and develop the communication and teamwork that are so important when racing offshore.
What’s Included in Your Fastnet Campaign?
Your campaign fee is designed to cover the principal costs associated with preparing for and competing in the programme, including:
​
-
Entry into the scheduled offshore qualifying races
-
Entry into the Rolex Fastnet Race
-
Professional skipper and experienced onboard leadership
-
Crew training and development throughout the campaign
-
Racing aboard Mad Dash, our Elan 410
-
Use of the yacht’s Doyle Stratis and downwind sail inventory
-
Yacht operating costs throughout the campaign
-
Race entry fees
-
Fuel
-
Berthing associated with the campaign
-
Use of Mad Dash’s onboard safety equipment
-
Personal AIS and other required safety equipment where applicable
-
A structured programme designed to build experience and develop the crew ahead of the Fastnet
​
The aim is to create a genuine Fastnet campaign atmosphere, with the same crew learning, qualifying and racing together towards one shared objective.
Do I Need Offshore Racing Experience?
Our 2027 Fastnet campaign is suitable for both experienced sailors and ambitious developing sailors who want to take their offshore sailing to the next level.
​
You do not necessarily need to be an experienced Fastnet competitor. However, offshore yacht racing can be physically and mentally demanding, and every prospective crew member will therefore have an informal discussion with Sailing Hounds about their previous sailing experience, fitness, expectations and suitability for the campaign.
​
Crew selection is important because the Fastnet is ultimately a team challenge. We want to create a capable, supportive and enthusiastic crew who can train together, learn from one another and enjoy the complete experience.
​
Places are limited and participation is subject to crew suitability.
2027 Rolex Fastnet Campaign Pricing
Individual Crew Place – £5,100 per person
Join Mad Dash as an individual crew member and become part of the Sailing Hounds team for the complete qualifying and Rolex Fastnet Race campaign.
​
Your place covers the planned offshore racing programme, crew development and the principal yacht and race costs detailed above.
​
Exclusive Whole-Boat Campaign – £36,500
Want to take on the Fastnet with your own group, sailing club, friends, colleagues or corporate team?
​
You can secure Mad Dash exclusively for the complete 2027 campaign for £36,500.
​
The exclusive yacht option allows your group to experience the entire Fastnet journey together, from training and qualifying races through to the Rolex Fastnet Race itself, while representing your own team or organisation.
​
The whole-boat campaign also represents a substantial saving compared with securing all available crew places individually.
Your Fastnet Adventure Starts Before the Start Line
The Rolex Fastnet Race may be the ultimate goal, but some of the most rewarding experiences happen during the journey towards it.
​
You will learn the yacht, develop offshore racing techniques, experience night sailing, work within watch systems, improve sail handling and become part of a crew working towards one of the most recognised achievements in offshore sailing.
​
From the first qualifying race to rounding Fastnet Rock and racing towards the finish in Cherbourg, this is an opportunity to experience the Fastnet as a campaign rather than simply a race.
Register Your Interest in the 2027 Rolex Fastnet Race
If competing in the 2027 Rolex Fastnet Race is on your sailing bucket list, we would love to hear from you.
​
With a limited number of individual crew places available aboard Mad Dash, early registration of interest is recommended.
​
Whether you are an experienced offshore sailor looking for your next challenge or an ambitious sailor ready to develop your racing experience, contact Sailing Hounds to discuss your background and find out whether the 2027 Fastnet campaign is right for you.
​
Individual places: £5,100 per person
Exclusive whole-boat campaign: £36,500
​
​
Ready to Take on the Fastnet?
Register your interest today and join the Sailing Hounds crew aboard Mad Dash for the journey to the 2027 Rolex Fastnet Race.