RORC IRC Championship
29 June -1^st July 2007 

Saturday 30 June

Louay Habib reports from day two of the RORC IRC Championship

Day 2 of the RORC IRC Championship

Weather conditions had abated from the previous day, giving a south westerly gradient breeze of 10 to 15 knots. A fine grey mist shrouded the Solent and rain showers added to the poor visibility for the competitors at the RORC IRC Championships racing on day 2 of the regatta. The wind shifted slightly to the south and built during the day, reaching a top wind speed of over 20 knots, but the fresher air lifted the grey skies, bringing far more pleasant conditions.

The race committee chose a race area in the eastern and central Solent, using a mixture of windward leeward courses and tight reaching legs.

RORC IRC Championship
29 June -1^st July 2007 

Louay Habib reports from day one of the RORC IRC Championship

Day 1 of the RORC IRC Championship

Leaden skies and viscous squalls on the first day of the RORC IRC Championship held in the Solent, brought some really testing conditions. The mean wind speed was 25 knots from the south west, gusting up to 35 knots and staying under control was a crucial factor. For some, failing to master the tricky conditions caused an unscheduled early return to Cowes. There was a whole host of retirements for the second race which was the last race of a grueling day. Race 3 was cancelled, with conditions such, that it was becoming hazardous for the Race Officers on the committee boats, let alone the competitors.

Fleet deep in talent, technology and tradition  

With less than two months until the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race, interest has been running high and the entry cut-off of 300 has now been reached well before the official closing date for entries. In consequence, organisers, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), have set up a waiting list. The 608-mile race has long been a favourite of offshore sailors and offers a true test of seamanship, skill and preparation. First contested in 1925 and run biennially since the early 1930s, the 2007 start will be on August 12 from the Royal Yacht Squadron line off Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Wednesday 8^th August 2007

Tickets are now on sale for the Annual RORC Cocktail Party to be held at the Royal Yacht Squadron from 1830 to 2000 on Wednesday 8^th August.  Tickets are priced at £20.00 per person and are available from Amanda Oliver: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 020 7518 3150.

Tuesday 10^th July and Wednesday 18^th July 2007  

Michael Lawson is the Navigator of the yacht Cutting Edge (Farr 45), he has participated in 3 Rolex Fastnet Race’s.  He also navigated on the yacht Tempest (80ft Sparkman & Stephens Ketch), who won its Class in the 2005 Rolex Transatlantic Race.  In the 2006 Newport to Bermuda Race, navigating on Lively Lady (Carter 37) they were the overall winner, taking home the St David’s Lighthouse Trophy.  

The topics that Michael will be covering in the Lecture include preparation before the Race, modern navigation techniques, sources of weather information as well as tips and strategies to help win the race.

Due to the restricted space in the dining room the lecture is open to members only, on a first come first served basis.  

The cost of the tickets are:
£5.00 for lecture
A one course dinner will be available on the evening for £10.00 (please book in advance).  

For tickets please contact Amanda Oliver: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 020 7518 3150

The RORC is considering a race to Madeira and back as part of its points series in 2008. The distance to Madeira from the Solent is approximately 1300nm and it is envisaged that the race will commence from Cowes after Cowes Week on Monday 11 August. Each leg of the race will count separately for points. In view of the likely duration of each leg of 7 to 10 days, crew changes will be permitted in Madeira. The start of the second leg, from Madeira to Cowes, will be 48 hours following the first leg finish for each yacht. Qualification races will be required and it is expected that the 2007 Fastnet race will rank as a qualifier. Madeira is a beautiful island off south west Portugal which is easily accessible with daily flights either direct from the UK or via Lisbon. As a renowned holiday destination there is good hotel accommodation and international cuisine. English is widely spoken. If you are interested in receiving further information on this race, as a potential participant, please contact Janet Grosvenor (Tel: +44 207 493 2248; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).