RORC Marks Centenary With Launch of New 25-Year History Book

 

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has released a new book to conclude its centenary celebrations, charting its journey from 2000 to 2025. Titled The Royal Ocean Racing Club – 2000-2025 – The Next 25 Years, the publication follows Ian Dear’s history of the club’s first 75 years, published in 2000.

The new volume recounts the origins of ocean racing in the UK and US, the controversy over the first Ocean Race—now the Rolex Fastnet Race—and the founding of the Ocean Racing Club. It reflects on the club’s evolution, including the rise and fall of the Admiral’s Cup, once the world’s premier grand prix yachting event during the 1970s to 1990s.

The book highlights the decline of the Admiral’s Cup in the early 2000s and the growing influence of Rolex, which began sponsoring the Commodores’ Cup and later the Fastnet Race.

Under Rolex’s backing, the Fastnet Race expanded significantly, eventually shifting its finish from Plymouth to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin due to capacity limits.

RORC’s international footprint is also explored, from the launch of the RORC Caribbean 600 and the RORC Transatlantic Race to the Roschier Baltic Sea Race. The club’s 100th year closed with the successful revival of the Admiral’s Cup in 2025.

Onshore developments are covered, notably the merger with the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes, granting RORC a second base in the UK’s sailing capital alongside its London headquarters.

The book outlines the introduction of the IR2000 rules and the rise of IRC as the leading global yacht rating system, known for its secrecy and adaptability.

Changes in offshore racing culture are also discussed, including a steady rise in doublehanded sailing and greater female participation. Insights from RORC’s flag officers and key figures enrich the narrative.

The book is authored by veteran sailing journalist James Boyd, who has over four decades of experience and has edited RORC’s yearbooks for more than 10 years.

Members received complimentary copies, but the book is now available for £45 through the RORC online shop.