RORC Goes Magenta - Women’s Offshore Racing Training Weekend
12th - 14th September
For the first time ever, RORC and The Magenta Project are teaming up to deliver a dedicated offshore training weekend for women and we’re inviting you to be part of it.
There are only 30 spaces available, so if you’re serious about offshore sailing, this is your chance to take a major step forward.
Why Join?
Whether you’re:
- Returning to sailing after a break.
- Looking to move from bow to helm.
- Or aiming to skipper your own offshore race boat one day.
This weekend is designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and network to go further in the sport.
What to Expect:
You'll train on a fleet of top-tier race boats, including Sunfast 3600s, a J122, and a First 40, matched to your experience and goals. Over two days 13th - 14th September, you'll benefit from on-the-water coaching and shore-based classes led by some of the most respected names in offshore sailing:
- Olympic and British Sailing Team coaches
- An Ocean Race navigator/meteorologist
- A Figaro 3 and Vendée Globe sailor
- A match racing world champion
We’ll also gather for a Saturday night BBQ at the RORC Clubhouse in Cowes. Additional guest can also come and pay £40pp. Also, a mystery international female offshore sailor will join us to share her journey.
“I just wish this had existed when I started sailing 25 years ago.”
– Deb Fish, RORC Commodore & Offshore Racer
Event Details
Location: RORC Cowes Clubhouse & Solent Waters
Dates: 12th - 14th September.
Fee: £500 (covers boats, coaching, meals, and venue – see below)
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
Apply Now: Expressions of Interest
Priority will be given to RORC members, including new members who join ahead of the event. A limited number of spots are reserved for Magenta Project mentees.
What’s Included
- Welcome dinner Friday evening
- Morning coffee & pastries + packed lunch (Sat & Sun)
- Two full days of coached offshore training
- Shore-based sessions on tactics, meteorology, and more
- Saturday evening BBQ & guest speaker (40pp for additional guests)
Please note: accommodation is not included, but options are available near the venue, including the RORC Clubhouse has 10 rooms available on a first come first serve basis.
Why It Matters:
Only 18% of UK offshore sailors are women. By building pathways like this one, we aim to change that—to strengthen the sport and grow the community.
“This isn’t about women. It’s about the future of offshore sailing.”
– Andrew Tseng, Skipper of Quailo III & RORC Flag Officer
Get Involved
Apply now: Expressions of Interest
Interested in volunteering, or participating with your own yacht? Contact Marjoleine Hulshof at Contact@themagentaproject.org
We hope to see you on the water.
T&C
- We will confirm all participants by 10 August 2025 - one month exactly before the event.
- If we do not have more than 20 - 25 participants, we will amend or cancel the event.
- We will attempt to cater for any allergens, but if you are extremely sensitive please organise your own food and drink.
- Disclaimer - you participate at your own risk and will need to sign once participation is confirmed
If you have any questions please email Marjoleine - Contact@themagentaproject.org
About The Magenta Project
The Magenta Project is a global initiative committed to equity and inclusion in sailing. Founded off the back of the all-female Team SCA campaign in the Volvo Ocean Race, it exists to create pathways, dismantle barriers, and drive systemic change through research, mentoring, partnerships, and advocacy. Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, the organisation enters a bold new chapter, expanding its mission, updating its visual identity, and strengthening it’s commitment to lasting inclusion across the marine industry
