The 49th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race took place between 8 – 14th August. The young crew of the British yacht Sunrise demonstrated the tenacity, skill and moments of inspired intuition required to outperform the opposition at one of sport’s greatest challenges.
A dramatic sky overhangs the fleet as it makes its way west shortly after the start
This year’s edition attracted a fleet of 337 yachts of which 264 were competing for the overall win on time correction. Significantly, for the first time in its near 100-year history, the course did not end in Plymouth, England. The change to Cherbourg, France marks an evolution in this historic race adding 87 nm (161 km) to the length as well as fresh tidal complexities.
The Rolex Fastnet Race attracts an international fleet from over 30 nations
The assembled fleet was as impressive as ever. From professionally crewed maxi trimarans and monohulls, through the ocean racing one design classes to the usual mix of more Corinthian yachts, entries reflected the appeal of offshore yachting and the broad range of opportunities the discipline offers.
The start of the 2021 race was a hard upwind passage into challenging waves
The race began on Sunday, 8 August with crews setting off into the teeth of a fierce south-westerly gusting 30 knots, and a building sea state. It was a brutal first 12 hours or so, with dozens of yachts retiring through equipment failure, injury or overwhelming crew fatigue. It is often said that you cannot win a yacht race on the first day, but you can lose it. One of Sunrise’s expected close competitors was involved in a collision on the first afternoon that left them dismasted.
The supermaxi Skorpios, the largest yacht in the race, encounters steep waves as she enters the English Channel
Leading from the off, the first boat to complete the race was the French multihull, Maxi Edmond De Rothschild, in an impressive time of just over 33 hours – the benchmark for the new course. Skorpios, the largest entrant in the fleet at 43 meters, reached Cherbourg some 24 hours later setting the monohull target time for future races.
IRC Two victory for Tom Kneen and his young team on the JPK 11.80 Sunrise
Sunrise’s corrected time of 4 days, 6 hours, 45 minutes 4 seconds has given Kneen IRC Two victory by a huge margin. As Sunrise finished, her closest rival was just past the Lizard with more than 120 nautical miles still to sail.
Winning overall from a fleet of more than 250 yachts is, in the words of Tom Kneen, the owner and skipper of Sunrise: “a once in a lifetime achievement”.
For nearly a century, the Rolex Fastnet Race has set the highest standards of excellence in offshore sailing. It is a challenge that inspires sailors of all backgrounds. Rolex is proud to support a sporting contest that continues to unite like few others, one that mirrors its own Perpetual spirit: humbly adapting to the elements, constantly seeking to improve and summoning one’s deepest resources.
Credits: Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com; Rolex Fastnet Race
In-Mind Design has revealed its latest superyacht concept, the Interstellar, showcasing innovative design solutions aimed at enhancing guest experience and sustainability. The 100-meter concept yacht features a unique layout and advanced technological solutions.The vessel’s design prioritizes guest interaction and social spaces, with a particular focus on the upper deck. The main deck features a large open space that can be converted into various configurations, including a cinema, dance floor, or dining area, thanks to modular furniture and retractable screens.The yacht’s exterior design includes a distinctive stepped profile, creating multiple outdoor living areas at different levels. The upper deck boasts a large open space with a retractable roof, providing both indoor and outdoor entertainment options. The concept also features a beach club with direct access to water toys and a swimming pool on the upper deck.“The Interstellar concept is designed to offer maximum flexibility and adaptability to the owner’s needs,” said Francesco Guida, Founder of In-Mind Design. “The modular design allows for various configurations, ensuring the yacht remains relevant and enjoyable over time.”The concept incorporates several sustainability features, including hybrid propulsion systems and energy-efficient materials. The yacht is designed to accommodate up to 24 guests across 12 staterooms, with additional space for a crew of 30.The interior design focuses on creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The main saloon features large windows and sliding doors that open onto the deck, while the owner’s suite includes a private terrace with panoramic views.The yacht’s technical specifications include a beam of 18 meters and a draft of 4.5 meters. The hybrid propulsion system allows for a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, with an estimated range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.“We aimed to create a yacht that not only meets the current demands of luxury travel but also anticipates future trends in design and technology,” added Guida. “The Interstellar concept demonstrates our commitment to innovation and sustainability in yacht design.”The Interstellar concept is currently available for potential clients interested in commissioning a custom build based on the design.Credits: In-Mind Design
June 4, 2025
Sanlorenzo has unveiled Casa Sanlorenzo, a new 1,000 square meter arts venue housed within a restored 1940s palazzo overlooking Venice's Santa Maria della Salute basilica. The project includes 700 square meters of exhibition space and a 600 square meter garden, featuring the company's contemporary art collection dating from 1965 to present.Architect Piero Lissoni led the restoration, preserving original brick facades and flooring while introducing contemporary elements. Notable features include a glass-and-steel staircase and an adaptive lighting system designed to accommodate changing exhibitions. The space connects to surrounding areas via a new bridge constructed from prefabricated metal with Istrian stone treads and oar-inspired handrails."I believe the opportunity to build a bridge in Venice for Sanlorenzo Arts is more unique than rare," stated Piero Lissoni. "This bridge is not simply a vehicle to transport people, but a cultural bridge."The venue will serve as an official location for Venice Climate Week from June 4-6, hosting the "Sanlorenzo Talks" series on ecological transition and sustainable innovation. The palazzo's restoration maintained all original load-bearing structures while updating mechanical systems and creating flexible gallery spaces.Casa Sanlorenzo's art collection reflects postwar artistic movements, with works displayed against white walls and alternating concrete and Palladian stone floors. The property combines exhibition areas with a private residential apartment, representing Sanlorenzo's integration of marine craftsmanship, design and contemporary art patronage.The bridge's design incorporates traditional Venetian elements including a humpback shape reminiscent of medieval structures and specialized anti-slip stone treatment. Its metal components feature weather-resistant finishes suitable for the lagoon environment. The project required 18 months of restoration work before opening to the public.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
June 4, 2025
Benetti has completed the slipway launch of the 44-meter Fortitude1, the largest fiberglass yacht in its Class 44M series built at the Viareggio shipyard. The vessel, designed by Cassetta Yacht Designers, represents a repeat order from an existing client.The launch ceremony utilized the yard's historic inclined slipway, maintaining traditional Italian shipbuilding methods. The yacht will now enter final outfitting with delivery scheduled for summer 2025."Benetti is synonymous with quality, heritage, and innovation, and that is why the Owner has chosen us once again," said Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti's Sales Director.Fortitude1 features expansive glazing throughout to maximize natural light, with white marble flooring on the main deck. The design includes a panoramic sky lounge, beach club area, and a custom forward sunpad on the upper deck tailored to the owner's specifications.The exterior maintains the Class line's signature proportions while incorporating owner-requested modifications. The interior layout emphasizes social spaces and indoor-outdoor connectivity, with particular attention given to the main deck aft area designed for entertainment.As with all Benetti's fiberglass models under 500GT, the yacht combines the shipyard's technical expertise with customized solutions for individual owners. The project demonstrates Benetti's continued capability in mid-sized yacht construction at its Viareggio facility.No specific technical specifications were released, though the design focuses on optimizing space and comfort within the 44-meter footprint. The launch follows Benetti's standard construction protocol for this series, with sea trials expected to begin in early 2025.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
June 4, 2025
Team Abu Dhabi, featuring Riva Classiche branding and piloted by ten-time Formula 1 Powerboat champion Guido Cappellini, has set a new record in the Pavia-Venice 2025 International Powerboat Raid. The team completed the 400 km inland waterway course in 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 45 seconds, achieving an average speed of 207.26 km/h.The performance breaks the previous 2005 record of 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 45 seconds (203.34 km/h) held by Dino Zantelli. Earlier records include Serafino Riva's 1931 outboard category achievement of 51.660 km/h.The collaboration between Riva and Cappellini dates to 2005 when the champion set an undefeated world water speed record on Lake Iseo near Riva's Sarnico shipyard. The latest record continues this legacy of technical performance in powerboating.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 3, 2025
Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) has launched its new flagship, the 47-meter RJ155 explorer yacht, marking the largest vessel to date from the Ancona-based builder. The launch follows the successful delivery of two RJ115 models (Stellamar and Pazienza) and the original RJ130 (now named Nuri).Designed by Francesco Paszkowski with interiors by Achille Salvagni, the RJ155 features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio incorporates twin Caterpillar C32 Acert EPA Tier 3 engines, providing a 5,000+ nautical mile range at 10 knots. The yacht carries 66,400 liters of fuel and utilizes CMC Marine stabilizers.Accommodation spans five suites for 12 guests, including an owner's cabin with private gym. Storage includes a large lazarette for toys and tender capacity. The design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through extended overhangs and shaded terraces."We're honored a returning client chose to upgrade from an RJ130 to this larger model," said Vasco Buonpensiere, CdM CEO. The RJ series has received industry recognition, with both RJ115 models winning World Superyacht Awards in 2024 and 2025.At 510 tons displacement and under 500 GT, the RJ155 maintains CdM's focus on expedition capabilities while expanding interior volume. The project represents the shipyard's continued specialization in long-range explorer yachts."Nothing speaks louder than a satisfied client who comes back," added Ennio Cecchini, CdM President. The RJ155 is scheduled for delivery following sea trials.CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
June 3, 2025