Doyle-powered yachts Tschüss 2 and Leopard 3 delivered standout performances at the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, showcasing Doyle Sails technology and expertise on the offshore racing stage.
Tschüss 2, owned and skippered by Christian Zugel, claimed first place in IRC Super Zero. Onboard were two of Doyle Sails’ most experienced sailors, Stu Bannatyne (Doyle Sails New Zealand), dubbed the King of the Southern Ocean and Nin O’Leary (Doyle Sails Ireland), whose offshore experience played a vital role in the team’s success. The Fastnet win is the latest in an exceptional run for Tschüss 2 in 2025, having also secured 1st in IRC in the recent RORC Transatlantic Race, 1st IRC Overall Caribbean 600 and Line Honours in the West to East Transatlantic Race.
Meanwhile, Joost Schuijff’s Leopard 3, skippered by Chris Sherlock of Doyle Sails Palma, was the third Monohull to cross the line and finished 3rd in IRC Super Zero, continuing its strong form after claiming Line Honours in the 2025 RORC Cowes–Dinard–St Malo Race just a week prior.
This year’s Rolex Fastnet Race saw a record 444 yachts start off the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, under overcast skies and in front of thousands of spectators, the historic offshore course remains one of the most revered in the sport, testing teams as they make their way to Cherbourg via the legendary Fastnet Rock.
Reflecting on the team’s season and Fastnet win, Stu Bannatyne said: “This year has been nothing short of incredible for the Tschüss 2 team. Winning our class in the Fastnet is a milestone for our team. Weaving offshore racing on the VO70 and working with Doyle Sails together has been fantastic for me, the VO70s are still by far the best yachts to race in the world.”
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation, whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.