Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC)

Club information

• Country: United Kingdom
• Town/City:

© Royal Ocean Racing Club

royal-ocean-racing-club-logo

Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC)

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is one of the world’s most influential and prestigious sailing organisations, dedicated to the promotion of offshore yacht racing. Founded in 1925 following the first Fastnet Race, the RORC has its spiritual home at St James’s Place in London, but its influence and activities span the globe, from transatlantic regattas to world championships.

RORC is best known as the organiser of the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, an iconic 600+ nautical mile challenge that has defined offshore sailing for generations. But the club’s calendar includes many other prestigious races, including the RORC Caribbean 600, the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race, and the Transatlantic Race. RORC is also the steward of the IRC rating system, one of the most widely used yacht handicap rules in the world.

Members benefit from access to the elegant London clubhouse, which includes a restaurant, bar, lounges, meeting spaces, and overnight accommodation. The club also operates a second clubhouse in Cowes on the Isle of Wight — a prime location for Solent racing and Fastnet starts. Both locations are hubs for sailors, whether for race strategy discussions or post-race celebrations.

While the RORC is steeped in tradition, it remains firmly future-facing. Its race programmes cater to both classic yachts and cutting-edge offshore machines. The club promotes sustainability, safety, and youth participation through its partnerships and initiatives, and many of its events offer pathways for aspiring professional sailors.

RORC membership is international and includes top-tier skippers, yacht owners, navigators, and serious Corinthian sailors. Whether racing across oceans or networking in London, members share a deep commitment to high-seas adventure and competitive excellence.

For anyone serious about offshore yacht racing, the Royal Ocean Racing Club is not just a club — it is the cornerstone of the sport.