RORC Centenary

A Century of Ocean Racing Excellence

The Royal Ocean Racing Club celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, a milestone marking a century of dedication to ocean racing and yachting excellence.

Join us as we commemorate this historic occasion with a series of exciting events and initiatives. From regional dinners held across the globe and a celebratory event in Cowes coinciding with the Admiral's Cup to the launch of a book capturing the Club's rich history up to the Centenary, there's something for every RORC member and enthusiast.

Immerse yourself in the heritage of the RORC through a fascinating exhibition showcasing iconic moments and extraordinary achievements. Explore the Club's storied past and witness the evolution of ocean racing through stunning photographs and images of memorabilia.

Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of RORC history with our exclusive range of centenary merchandise. From stylish clothing to collectible keepsakes, these items are the perfect way to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The 2025 racing season is packed with exciting events, including the conclusion of the West-East Transatlantic Race, the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race, and the much-anticipated return of The Admiral's Cup.

On Saturday, 19th July, the opening day of the Admiral's Cup, we'll be holding a Centenary Lunch at the Cowes Clubhouse to celebrate the landmark occasion of our 100 years. After the start of the short offshore race that morning we invite classic boat owners to join us in celebrating the RORC's Centenary and be part of history as we honour our legacy through a classic's Solent race, which will be followed by an evening of celebration.

For further information and details on upcoming events, and initiatives, please look for regular updates in the RORC monthly newsletter and/or by visiting this page, as we honour a century of passion, adventure, and sporting achievement.

RORC Centenary Book

For the 75th anniversary of Royal Ocean Racing Club in 2000, Adlard Coles Nautical commissioned distinguished author Ian Dear to write the history of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. The book revealed how the Club evolved, hand in hand with the sport of offshore racing over the decades.

The new 2000-2025 RORC history book picks up the story from where Ian Dear's account left it, exploring significant milestones for the Royal Ocean Racing Club. To write the latest chapter in its history, the RORC has commissioned James Boyd, a highly regarded yachting journalist with more than 40 years' experience.

RORC Centenary Regional Dinners

The RORC is a global club and as part of the centenary celebration a number of dinners will be held around the world. These are listed below, some venues and dates are still to be confirmed, so please check here regularly.

Centenary Merchandise Range

The RORC is excited to offer a Centenary merchandise range which will include a bone china mug, a stylish moleskin notebook, a versatile cotton tote bag, and a bespoke set of engraved glasses in partnership with Salcombe Gin - perfect for toasting this milestone.

Exhibition

The RORC Centenary Photographic Exhibition will be displayed at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse during 2025. The exhibition portrays the history of the Royal Ocean Racing Club through the decades. Featuring important documents and photographs of famous boats and sailors, the presentation showcases the development of the Royal Ocean Racing Club from inception to the present day.

VIEW EXAMPLE EXHIBITION PANEL

EXAMPLE PANEL

1920 - 1929

1925

The Ocean Race was conceptualised by Weston Martyr. A group of sailors, including E.G. Martin, devised a racecourse that rounded the Fastnet Lighthouse. Although there were 15 entries, only seven boats ultimately started. Jolie Brise emerged victorious, completing the race in 6 days, 14 hours, and 45 minutes. The Royal Engineers Yacht Club's Fulmar secured second place, while H.F.F. Donegan's Gull claimed third.

During a celebratory dinner at the Royal Western Yacht Club in Plymouth, the Ocean Racing Club was established, with Lieutenant Commander E.G. Martin OBE RNVR appointed as its first Commodore. The Club's objective was to organise an annual ocean race of no less than 600 miles in length. The Club wa officially formed on 9th October, with members contributing an annual subscription of £1.

1929

Following the Fastnet Race, Baroness André de Neufville became the first woman member of the Ocean Racing Club.

Jolie Brise: A converted Havre pilot cutter and iconic racing vessel
© Beken of Cowes

Inaugural Ocean Race: Start of the 1925 Ocean Race, marking a new era in offshore racing

First Commodore: Lieutenant Commander E.G. Martin, OBE, RNVR, owner of Jolie Brise

1929 Milestone: First woman member, Baroness André de Neufville, joins the club

Fastnet Race Results (1925-1927): The early competitions and their winners

Ocean Race Plans: Letter of intent for the prestigious Ocean Race

1925 Ocean Race: Log of Saladin extract

Photo credits: Matt Dickens, Paul Wyeth, Rich Bowen, Daniel Forster, Rick Tomlinson, Tim Wright and Beken of Cowes