Royal Ocean Racing Club

About

Founded in 1925, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is a London-based club that promotes and organises offshore yacht racing worldwide. It operates clubhouses in London (St James's Place) and Cowes, runs an international racing programme, and describes an international membership of about 4,000 sailors. More information can be found on the RORC website.

Membership

To join RORC, applicants must be proposed and seconded by two current RORC members, complete the application form and supporting paperwork (including a Certificate of Competency signed by a qualifying skipper where required), and set up subscription payment. The Club offers membership categories (Ocean Racing and Corinthian) and age-banded youth rates (Cadet, Under-25, Under-30, Under-35). New members pay a joining fee, generally half an annual subscription except for younger categories. More details can be found at the membership page.

Seamanship Training

RORC runs structured development and training initiatives such as the Griffin Offshore Pathway, which includes a coached programme and selection weekends for 18-30 year olds. Major RORC races require evidence of offshore training to the ISAF/World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations. The Club runs coach-led training weekends and selection events as part of the Griffin programme. More information is available on the Griffin Offshore Pathway page.

Safety Courses

RORC requires crews in Category 0/1/2 events to meet OSR training and first-aid standards, typically requiring at least 30% of crew, including the Person in Charge, to have completed an ISAF-approved Offshore Personal Survival Training course and at least two crew with First Aid. The Club inspects boats for compliance with ISAF Offshore Special Regulations and provides safety notices, stability guidance, and safety-best-practice videos on its website. More details can be found on the safety information page.

Cruising Guides

RORC publishes event-specific 'Guide for Entrants', Notice of Race, and race documentation that cover crew qualification, qualifying mileage, boat suitability, hull construction/stability criteria, and entry procedures. These guides and notices are provided for each major event, such as the Transatlantic Race and Rolex Fastnet Race. More information can be found at the Transatlantic Race guide.

Publications

RORC makes race documentation, ISAF Offshore Special Regulations materials, and event reports available on its website. The Club also issues seasonal media, including news, race reports, and an annual yearbook, which can be accessed from the Club site.

Events Calendar

RORC maintains a public Race Calendar and Racing Portal listing its season programme, which includes weekend offshore races, Solent inshore events, and major offshore events. Flagship events include the Rolex Fastnet Race, RORC Caribbean 600, RORC Transatlantic Race, and others. More information is available on the events calendar page.

Racing Programme

RORC operates a year-round racing programme that combines domestic weekend offshore races from Cowes and the east coast, Solent inshore events, and international offshore events. The Club publishes Notice of Race and entry procedures and runs a Season's Points Championship across selected events. More details can be found on the racing programme page.

Visiting Access Policy

Clubhouses in London and Cowes offer accommodation, dining, and event facilities for members and their guests. Membership confers clubhouse access and member benefits, including priority Fastnet entry and discounted race entry fees. Additional information can be found on the visiting access policy page.

Awards and Recognition

RORC awards trophies and prizes at its races and holds prizegivings and a Season's Points Championship with class and special awards. Race-specific trophies and special prizes are listed in race reports and event results. More information can be found on the awards page.

News Updates

RORC publishes regular news, race reports, bulletins, and event updates on its website. Featured news and events, race reports, and media content are maintained on the Club site.

Community Engagement

RORC supports youth and community development through the Griffin Fund and Griffin Offshore Pathway, which provides boats, coaching, and race opportunities for young sailors. The Club works in partnership with international clubs and organisers to run offshore events and development programmes. More information is available on the community engagement page.

Seasonal Operations

RORC runs an annual season of races and a Season's Points Championship. The Club publishes the season programme and event Notices of Race, with confirmed schedules and qualifying requirements available on the seasonal operations page.