2026 Cowes Offshore Series: Seven RORC Offshore Classics from the Solent
by Louay Habib / RORC 27 Apr 10:32 PDT
RORC fleet under spinnaker © Paul Wyeth / RORC
The RORC Cowes Offshore Series brings together a season of accessible, high quality RORC racing from the Solent, giving crews the chance to build experience, test themselves offshore and take on some of the most rewarding races in the RORC calendar.
The seven race series of races all start from Cowes with the best five to count.
All competitors have access to the superb facilities at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse including accommodation, the Fastnet Bar and RORC Clubhouse Restaurant. There is a crew supper planned before every race, all competitors plus friends and family are welcome.
The Myth of Malham, Cowes Dinard St Malo Race and Channel Race carry deep historic weight within the RORC programme. The Myth of Malham mirrors the opening stages of the Rolex Fastnet Race, sending the fleet west from Cowes towards the Eddystone Lighthouse before returning to the Solent. The Cowes Dinard St Malo Race is one of the great cross Channel classics, with the overall winner under IRC receiving the King Edward VII Challenge Cup, originally donated by His Majesty in 1906. The Channel Race, first run in 1928, was established as a shorter alternative to the Fastnet and became the shorter offshore race to The Admiral’s Cup. Together, they connect today’s crews with more than a century of offshore racing heritage.
From Corinthian teams to seasoned campaigners, this is a series designed for sailors who want proper offshore racing, competitive fleets and the unique atmosphere of the RORC Cowes Clubhouse.
For more information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club: www.rorc.org