Preview: 2025 North Sea Race

Start of the North Sea Race © Mark Dean/RHYC

RORC North Sea Race

30 May 2025

Course: Harwich – Scheveningen Approx. 180nm

Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, in association with the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, the East Anglian Offshore Racing Association, the Yacht Club Scheveningen and Foundation North Sea Regatta.

The North Sea Race is the seventh race of the RORC Season’s Points Championship—the world’s largest offshore racing series. It is also a qualifier for the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race. Over 70 boats are expected to compete with crew from 12 different nations.

Demanding Track Across the North Sea

Spanning approximately 180 nautical miles, the North Sea Race presents a complex and tactical offshore challenge. The course is packed with navigational hazards—from tidal gates and shoals to oil rigs, wind farms, and busy shipping lanes. Starting off Harwich, the fleet must negotiate the Galloper Wind Farm and round Smith’s Knoll Buoy before racing toward the finish off the Dutch seaside town of Scheveningen. It’s a true test of offshore endurance, seamanship, and coastal strategy.

How to Follow the Race

• First Start: 30 May 10:30 BST

• Race Tracking: All boats are equipped with YB Trackers. Follow live at: https://yb.tl/northsea2025#

• Results & Updates: Near real-time results via www.SailRaceHQ.com

• Social Media: Use #RORCRacing to follow across Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Heritage, Hospitality, and Hard-Earned Silverware

Now over 80 years old, the North Sea Race is a classic, originating from the Royal Maas Yacht Club’s Maas Race. The Royal Harwich YC provide a warm welcome before the start and the Yacht Club Scheveningen team provide a lively welcome and prizegiving where competitors can win a number of prestigious trophies, topped off by the Goeree Challenge Cup for IRC Overall.

2025: A Historic Year for the RORC

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club—a century of dedication to offshore racing. This season includes landmark events such as the West-East Transatlantic Race, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the return of the Admiral’s Cup.