A Fitting Finale: The Salcombe Gin Centenary Race
Salcombe Gin Centenary Race
Saturday 20 September 2025
Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club
RORC Centenary Race © Paul Wyeth/RORC
The Salcombe Gin Centenary Race brought the curtain down on the RORC’s Centenary season — for everyone except the sailors still to compete in next week’s Offshore Double Handed World Championships.
RORC Centenary Race © Paul Wyeth/RORC
After racing, the RORC Cowes Clubhouse was buzzing. Hundreds of competitors, members and guests gathered for the Prize Giving, where complimentary Salcombe Gin cocktails set the tone for a lively celebration. Alongside the Centenary Race trophies, winners from across the entire Centenary season were honoured, applauded by a packed clubhouse. The evening rolled seamlessly into the Centenary BBQ, which proved a huge hit and kept the party atmosphere alive well into the night. The evening festivities were rounded off with live music on the main stage from 4 piece party band Forever To Go.
On the water, the RORC Race Team, led by Racing Manager Steve Cole, delivered a course of around 30 miles — a cascading windward–leeward through the Central and Western Solent. Adding a twist to tradition, the pursuit format meant the slowest-rated boats started first, with the fastest setting off last, all according to their IRC rating. The first yacht home would take the glory, making for a dramatic, all-in finish that kept the fleet on its toes right to the end.
Sun Fast 3600 Fujitsu British Soldier RORC Centenary Race © Paul Wyeth/RORC
The British Army Sailing Association’s Sun Fast 3600 Fujitsu British Soldier was the winner by just 58 seconds from Ross Applebey’s Oyster 48 Scarlet Oyster. Andrew McIrvine’s Ker 39 La Reponse completed the race podium.
Oyster 48 Scarlet Oyster RORC Centenary Race © Paul Wyeth/RORC
Ker 39 La Reponse RORC Centenary Race © Paul Wyeth/RORC
Fujitsu British Soldier RORC Centenary Race © Paul Wyeth/RORC
Henry Foster, skipper of Fujitsu British Soldier, winners of the RORC Centenary Race commented:
“Taking part in the Centenary Race was really important for us as an Army team. The British Army took part in the very first RORC race, the 1925 ‘Fastnet’, and here we are 100 years later still competing.
Offshore sailing is about resilience, teamwork and decision-making under pressure — values that align perfectly with the British Army. The Centenary Race gave us a chance to showcase those qualities in a celebratory event that was a little different from the usual RORC programme.
The pursuit format suited us down to the ground. Unlike a standard start where all the boats head off together, here the challenge was to chase and be chased — and that really played to our strengths. Fujitsu British Soldier is quick in a wide range of conditions, and the course offered plenty of variety which suited are downwind sail set up, having both symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnakers. The race length was just enough to let us stretch our legs without it turning into a marathon but in all honesty, if the race had been a little longer I think Scarlet Oyster would have passed us. It was exactly the sort of tactical, fast-paced sailing that keeps everyone fully engaged and smiling from start to finish.
RORC Centenary Race © Paul Wyeth/RORC
What really made it special was the atmosphere. It was fantastic to see so many different boats finishing together, then heading into the Cowes Clubhouse to celebrate. The RORC put on a superb event — it reminded us all why we love offshore racing: the camaraderie, the competition and the chance to test ourselves against both the fleet and the elements.
Looking ahead, this race was also a perfect stepping stone as we prepare for bigger challenges. The Army Sailing Association Rear Commodore Offshore Racing is Will Naylor, and he is planning to enter the team for the 2026 Round Britain & Ireland Race. This will be Will’s fifth race and it will be another chance for the Army team to push ourselves to the limit and fly the flag for British offshore sailing.”
The final Solent based RORC racing event of the club’s centenary year will be the World Sailing recognised Offshore Double Handed World Championships from 22 September to 01 October. The RORC Centenary Dinner and Prize Giving in London will be held at the elegant Sheraton Grand Hotel on Picadilly on November 15. The landmark night to celebrate the club’s historic centenary is not to be missed.
RORC Centenary Race © Paul Wyeth/RORC
