RORC Griffin Offshore Pathway 2027 Applications Now Open
.jpeg "RORC Griffin Offshore Pathway © Paul Wyeth/RORC")
Applications are now open for the RORC Griffin Offshore Pathway 2027, following a launch webinar attracting 350 sailors on 22 September 2026.
https://www.cognitoforms.com/FourthCape/GriffinOffshorePathway2027Applicants?qr
WATCH THE GRIFFIN 2027 WEBINAR
Passcode: Y1=WwZfh
Applications close on 18 October 2026
Hosted by RORC Sporting Director Ben Willows, the webinar outlined how Griffin will develop in 2027 and explained the opportunities available to young sailors looking to progress into offshore racing.
The panel included RORC Commodore Deb Fish; Griffin Committee Chairman Jim Driver; incoming Griffin Committee Lead Nikki Henderson; Griffin Advisor Charles Darbyshire; and Griffin coaches Nikki Curwen and Hugh Brayshaw. Current Griffin sailors Henry Redmond and Livvy Davis also shared their experiences of the programme, while the international section included first-hand experience of racing the Figaro 3 through the Nastro Rosa and Tour Voile programmes.
Deb Fish opened by recalling Griffin's long association with developing young offshore sailors, dating back to the donation of the original Griffin training yacht in 1945. She also paid tribute to the RORC members and other Griffin supporters who continue to make the programme possible by lending boats, giving their time and providing financial support.
“Our current members continue to support the programme,” said Fish. She added: “Having a steady stream of young people coming into offshore racing is vital for the health of the sport that we love.”
For 2027, Griffin will again combine a substantial domestic programme with international opportunities. The domestic pathway will feature four squads, with a mixture of fully coached first-year sailors and more experienced sailors progressing towards greater independence. Training and racing will focus on RORC and JOG events, with opportunities for selected teams to take part in major offshore races.
Coach Hugh Brayshaw explained that Griffin is designed to develop far more than boat-handling skills. Sailors learn to prepare and maintain the boat, work effectively as a crew, analyse their performance and eventually take responsibility for racing without a coach on board.
“The Griffin Pathway can be so many things to so many different sailors; from people who want to go pro to others that just want to go offshore racing. It is down to you to get the boat around the course in one piece, and yourselves in one piece,” said Brayshaw.
The international pathway will continue to develop opportunities aboard Figaro 3s, including double-handed racing with Nastro Rosa in Italy and team racing in the Tour Voile in France.
A major message from the webinar was that applicants should not rule themselves out because they have limited offshore experience. Griffin is not a learn-to-sail programme, but applicants can come from dinghy racing, keelboats, cruising or other sailing backgrounds.
“We're looking for keen people,” said Ben Willows. “We're looking for people that are willing to learn, can work really well as part of the team, and can support the team.”
Charles Darbyshire also emphasised that selection is about far more than outright sailing ability. Energy, enthusiasm, teamwork, commitment and coachability will all be important.
His advice for candidates was simple: “Commit, be part of the team, and enjoy yourselves.”
Griffin 2027 – Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Applicants should be aged 18–30. Applications submitted within the application window will be considered on an equal basis.
Do I need offshore racing experience?
No. You should already be a competent sailor, but you do not need to be an experienced offshore racer. Dinghy racers, keelboat sailors and experienced cruising sailors are all encouraged to apply. As Jim Driver told the webinar: “Don't try and pre-select yourself in or out.”
Can I take part if I have a full-time job or am at university?
Yes. The programme is largely structured around weekends, although major races may require additional time. Many current Griffin sailors combine the programme with full-time employment or education.
How much time do I need to commit?
Candidates should expect approximately eight weekends, plus some time helping to prepare and maintain the boat. Missing an occasional weekend for a genuine reason can be accommodated, but Griffin expects sailors to commit properly to their squad.
What does Griffin cost?
The 2027 squad fee is £420 for RORC members and £495 for non-members, with £75 of the non-member fee going towards RORC membership. Financial assistance may be available and candidates are specifically encouraged not to let cost prevent them from applying.
Do I need sailing qualifications or certificates?
No specific offshore certificates are required to apply. Where qualifications such as Sea Survival are required for particular races, Griffin will help selected sailors obtain the necessary training.
What happens at the Selection Weekend?
Expect sailing, running, teamwork exercises, practical challenges, learning and some long days. The weekend is designed both to assess candidates and to give everyone useful training and experience.
Is the Selection Weekend required for the international programmes?
The Cowes Selection Weekend is specifically for the domestic pathway. Applicants can indicate whether they wish to be considered for the domestic programme, Nastro Rosa, Tour Voile, or all three. International candidates are assessed separately according to their experience.
What sailing kit will I need?
For the Griffin Selection Weekend: We provide a full kit list for the selection weekend, and absent items can be discussed for assistance.
For Griffin Racing: Griffin provides major equipment including high-quality North Sails waterproofs and approved lifejackets. Sailors will need some personal sailing equipment such as boots and other basic kit.
Can sailors from outside the UK apply?
Absolutely. Griffin has included sailors travelling from Europe, the USA and elsewhere. International applicants are encouraged to apply, and in some circumstances assistance may be available where travel costs would otherwise be a barrier.
Apply for Griffin 2027
Applications close on 18 October 2026.
Application Form:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/FourthCape/GriffinOffshorePathway2027Applicants?qr
Watch the Griffin 2027 Launch Webinar:
Passcode: Y1=WwZfh
For further information contact griffin@rorc.org
