The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is set to commemorate a century of passion, innovation, and commitment to offshore racing in 2025. The RORC Centenary will feature an exciting program of first-class racing events and social gatherings that promise to engage sailing enthusiasts around the globe.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club will be marking its centenary in 2025. The London Clubhouse © Matt Dickens/Imagecomms
“The 2025 season promises not only exhilarating racing but also exceptional social events at our elegant RORC St James’s Clubhouse in London and the beautifully transformed RORC Cowes Clubhouse on the Isle of Wight,” said RORC Commodore Deb Fish. “We invite everyone to join us to enjoy this amazing season – a fitting tribute to a century of excellence in offshore racing.”
Kicking off the centenary celebrations, the season will feature over 10,000 miles of ocean racing across three continents, beginning in January with the iconic 3,000-mile RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Grenada. The excitement continues in February with the thrilling RORC Caribbean 600, challenging sailors to a high-speed dash around 11 stunning Caribbean islands.
As spring unfolds, the RORC European offshore calendar will commence in April with the continuation of the 16-race RORC Season’s Points Championship, the largest offshore racing series in the world. The summer will see the historic West-East Transatlantic Race departing from the New York Yacht Club in June, while July will mark the pinnacle of the season with the 100th anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race, accompanied by the much-anticipated return of the Admiral’s Cup.
The 2025 RORC racing season features events across three continents © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures
The season will conclude in September with the Salcombe Gin RORC Centenary Race and the Offshore Double Handed World Championship, solidifying 2025 as a memorable year for sailing aficionados.
To mark this historic milestone, RORC is also organizing global celebrations and unveiling exclusive merchandise. Formal dinners will be hosted by associated yacht clubs and RORC members across four continents, including venues such as the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the Yacht Club de France, and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, among others.
A centenary book and photo exhibition will feature such yachts as the classic yacht Dorade © ROLEX / Daniel Forster
In addition, a centenary book documenting the evolution of the RORC over the past 100 years will be published, as well as a photographic exhibition showcasing the club's significant milestones through rare photographs and important documents.
Exciting new merchandise will also be made available, allowing fans and members to commemorate this significant anniversary in style.
With a vibrant blend of racing and social activities planned, the RORC Centenary promises to be an extraordinary celebration of a century of offshore racing excellence. Join the community in honoring the past while looking forward to a thrilling future on the high seas.
Credits: RORC