As the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race marks the centennial of this iconic offshore event, one of the most compelling fleets on the starting line is also among the least well known: the Ocean Fifty class of 50-foot trimarans.
These French-designed multihulls were once known as Multi50s—a group of high-performance, offshore-capable trimarans developed under a cost-conscious box rule. Now rebranded as Ocean Fiftys, they’re racing doublehanded in the Fastnet this year as part of a growing international circuit that includes both inshore and offshore events, all leading up to the Transat Café L’OR (formerly the Transat Jacques Vabre).
While far removed from the cockpit of a 40-foot cruising monohull, the Ocean Fifty class offers an eye-opening look at seamanship under pressure—and even some lessons that bluewater sailors can apply.
Among the returning competitors is Luke Berry aboard Le Rire Médecin–Lamotte, one of the older Ocean Fiftys in the fleet but still a proven performer offshore. The boat, originally launched in 2009 as Actual, has won the Route du Rhum and the Transat Jacques Vabre under different skippers. Berry and co-skipper Antoine Joubert won the Fastnet in 2023 and return to defend their title in a larger, faster field.
Berry, who grew up in France and moved up from Class 40 racing, understands the demands of offshore sailing. While Ocean Fifty crews push for performance, they must also manage energy, troubleshoot complex systems, monitor weather, and work together under strain—skills that echo what cruising couples and passagemakers confront on long passages.
The boats themselves are marvels of modern engineering—stiff, lightweight, and shaped for power. But the Ocean Fifty box rule enforces limits: No foiling is allowed, thanks to mandatory C-foils; sail inventories are restricted and durability-focused; and many teams campaign older boats that remain competitive thanks to smart updates and strong sailing.
The 2025 Rolex Fastnet fleet includes nine Ocean Fiftys, making it the largest turnout for the class in the race’s history. Among the notables: Koesio, skippered by Erwan Le Roux and currently leading the Ocean Fifty Series; Lazare, co-skippered by Vendée Globe hopeful Tanguy le Turquais; and Inter Invest, the 2024 series champion, now helmed by Matthieu Perraut and Jean-Baptiste Gellée.
Several teams use their platforms for social missions, too. Upwind by MerConcept, backed by 11th Hour Racing, is focused on developing female offshore sailors. Lazare raises awareness for housing insecurity, and Mon Bonnet Rose campaigns for women’s cancer awareness.
Whether racing or cruising, the same fundamentals apply: readiness, resilience, and respect for the sea. For offshore sailors looking to sharpen their game, there’s plenty to learn by watching the Ocean Fifty fleet charge down the course to Fastnet Rock—and beyond.
What Cruisers Can Learn from Ocean Fiftys
Redundancy = Reliability
Ocean Fifty sailors plan for system failures and back themselves up. Cruisers should do the same, especially with power, steering, and comms.
Energy Management Is Everything
Even in a race, sailors are conservative with battery loads and smart about solar, hydro, and generator use—an everyday challenge for liveaboards.
Weather Strategy Is Constant
Ocean Fifty crews are always monitoring conditions and updating routes. Cruisers should take a page from their book: plan, track, and adapt.
Teamwork Matters
Doublehanded Ocean Fifty crews thrive on communication and trust. For cruising couples, refining roles and decision-making improves safety and sanity offshore.
Speed = Safety
While cruising boats don’t aim for 20+ knots, learning to trim well, reduce drag, and sail efficiently can widen weather windows and reduce fatigue.
