RORC Centenary
A Century of Ocean Racing Excellence
In 2025, the Royal Ocean Racing Club celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of ocean racing excellence. The Centenary was commemorated with global events, an exhibition, a commemorative book, exclusive merchandise, and a standout racing season featuring the Rolex Fastnet Race and the return of the Admiral's Cup. Celebrations culminated with a Centenary Lunch and classic Solent race in Cowes, honouring the Club's rich heritage and enduring legacy.
RORC Centenary Book & Merchandise
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. Read more.
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.
RORC Centenary Regional Dinners
The RORC is a global club and as part of the centenary celebration a number of dinners were held around the world.
Exhibition
The RORC Centenary Photographic Exhibition was 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.
Photo credits: Matt Dickens, Paul Wyeth, Rich Bowen, Daniel Forster, Rick Tomlinson, Tim Wright and Beken of Cowes