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You need a boat that performs upwind to win the Rolex Fastnet Race, says winner Jean-Pierre Kelbert.
November 10, 2025 · 10 min · 6K views
What this video covers
Jean-Pierre Kelbert, who won the Rolex Fastnet Race overall with co-skipper Alexis Lianchon aboard a JPK 1050, explains what made the boat and campaign successful.0:04 The JPK 1050 carries more volume throughout its hull form than earlier JPK models, uses a very short waterline length to achieve a high IRC rating of 1.065 — equivalent to a fast 40-footer — and begins planing at 14 knots, or 10–12 knots at a favorable angle, with sustained planing from 17–18 knots.2:13 Kelbert says upwind performance is decisive in the Fastnet: the race opens with an upwind leg in medium to strong wind, and the boat that crosses the Fastnet Rock in a strong position controls the return.3:08 The JPK 1050 ran 2–3 knots faster than the Jpk 1080 and X41 on the downwind return.4:26 Tidal timing at the start and at Cap de la Hague on the return leg can cost two hours if misjudged.8:57 The two-handed crew managed on 1–2 hours of sleep per day over roughly three and a half days, with Lianchon — a Solitaire professional — spending most time on the helm while Kelbert monitored information and handled maneuvers.5:03 Upwind speed sets up the race; downwind planing speed wins it.
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