Steamship Shieldhall Cruise to view the Fastnet Race, marking 100 years of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC)

Cruise to watch the start of the 2025 Fastnet Race. RORC expects a fantastic fleet to attend one of the world’s great ocean races! After witnessing the departure of the multihulls and IRC 2, IRC 1 and IRC Z & VO65 classes from Cowes, we will continue westwards towards The Needles, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. Very popular with photographers, Shieldhall is a very stable vessel and provides a wonderful viewing and photographic platform. During the cruise Shieldhall will pass close to the cruise ships Aurora, Celebrity Apex, Iona and MSC Virtuosa - always the chance to sound the whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!

As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of Titanic bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, available on all trips. Courtesy parking is available close to the berth.

Children will have fun with an interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!