In July 2025, the Rolex Fastnet Race will celebrate its 100th anniversary, marking a century of endurance and achievement in one of the world’s most iconic offshore sailing competitions. The world’s largest of its kind at 695 nautical miles, the race begins from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, England, into the open water and ocean swells of the Celtic Sea, past Fastnet Rock off Ireland, known as the halfway point, before a Return Leg through more open water as they pass the Isles of Scilly and head to the finish line. Rolex has been the Title Sponsor since 2001, a key partnership between two brands that hold skill, strategy, and teamwork at their core. Ahead of the centenary anniversary of the race, we spoke with Rolex Testimonee and Championship Sailor Martine Grael about her astonishing career, her 2017 Fastnet competition, and more.

You’ve established yourself as one of the leading figures in sailing. How did you get your start?

“My sailing journey started thanks to my mother. My father is an accomplished sailor and was often away competing, so if mom wanted to go sailing, my brother and I had to come along, we didn’t really have a choice. We spent a lot of time in the bay in Rio, and before long, we were taking lessons, which quickly turned into competing. From there, my career took off. I’ve participated in four Olympic cycles, qualified for three Olympic Games, and competed in the Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo Ocean Race was a huge milestone for me. Not only was it an incredible challenge, but it was also the first time women were required to take part. I joined the Dutch team, and it was an exciting and eye-opening experience. Now, after years of Olympic sailing, the opportunity to compete in the Rolex SailGP Championship came up, and I’m absolutely loving it. The speed, the intensity, the teamwork – it’s everything I love about the sport, taken to the next level.”

What does being a Rolex Testimonee mean to you personally and professionally?

“It’s incredible to know that I’m part of a group of athletes who have helped shape the future of their sports. I like to think that through my journey as a sailor and my latest achievement as the first female driver in the Rolex SailGP Championship, I’m doing exactly that – paving the way for more women to step into racing. I’m proud to be raising awareness about the opportunities for women in the championship and beyond. It also feels very surreal to be a Rolex Testimonee alongside athletes like Hannah Mills, I’ve still not quite got my head around it.”

The Rolex Fastnet Race celebrates its 100th anniversary, what does it mean to have taken part in such a historic race?

“The Rolex Fastnet Race is one of the most iconic challenges in sailing, and for most competitors, it has become a rite of passage. What makes it iconic is how hard it is to complete and the stories behind it. I had quite fair weather the whole way around, but being part of that history, even in a small way, is a great honour and gives you a sense of connection to the generations of sailors who have tested themselves previously.”

What are your recollections of the 2017 Rolex Fastnet Race?

“The 2017 Rolex Fastnet Race was a transformative experience. It was one of my first major offshore races, and I was still learning what it meant to be part of a crew in such a demanding race. What stood out was how quickly you become part of the rhythm of the boat and the team, you adapt, you contribute, and you push forward together. The ocean is so vast and unpredictable, you become deeply connected to the team and the elements.”

What inspired you or drew you to offshore racing? Was it something you had always wanted to do?

I have always admired offshore sailing. Growing up, my dad participated in quite a few offshore races, and it seemed a common territory of interest. But I think what really drew me in was the idea of pushing myself in a different area of sailing, and to be a more all-around sailor. I enjoy the quest to be in tune with the boat, the elements, and your teammates in such a raw, honest way. The Rolex Fastnet Race is a challenge not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Offshore sailing strips everything down. When I started the race, I actually didn’t know if I was capable of withstanding it, but I have always loved adventure, and offshore racing gave me a new kind of challenge: to grow as a sailor and as a person.

You’ve had so many incredible achievements in your career. Is there one moment that stands out the most for you?

“Without a doubt, my proudest moment was winning at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. To take home the gold in my hometown was indescribable – it truly felt like the pinnacle of my career. The experience was beyond words.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF ROLEX.