The Mediterranean is calling: New international circuit launched for ORC Class 0
by Offshore Racing Congress 27 Sep 01:26 PDT
Tre Golfi Sailing Week - ORC World Championship 2026 - Sorrento, Italy © Studio Borlenghi
The Mediterranean will be the place to race in the summer of 2027.
The Offshore Racing Congress, together with the circuit's founding host clubs - the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia, Yacht Club Toscana and Real Club Náutico de Palma - is pleased to announce the launch of the International Med Circuit - IMC, a new series created specifically for ORC Class 0 yachts.
The circuit will bring together three outstanding Mediterranean venues and three distinctive racing experiences: the celebrated Tre Golfi Sailing Week in Sorrento, the inaugural Coppa Toscana in Scarlino and the internationally renowned Copa del Rey MAPFRE in Palma de Mallorca.
Its creation follows a period of sustained growth and activity among the fastest boats in the ORC fleet. The 2025 ORC European Championship at the 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE attracted 17 boats in ORC Class 0. In 2026, 15 Class 0 yachts contested the ORC World Championship during Tre Golfi Sailing Week, followed by another strong fleet of 14 boats at the 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE. The size, quality and international character of these fleets have demonstrated both the momentum within the class and the value of establishing a dedicated Mediterranean series.
From the dramatic coastline of the Gulf of Naples to the open waters of Tuscany and the renowned racecourses of Palma Bay, the International Mediterranean Circuit will give owners and crews a clear competitive pathway through the heart of the Mediterranean season.
2027 International MED Circuit
In 2027, the circuit will be open exclusively to ORC Class 0 yachts holding a valid ORC International certificate. Detailed eligibility criteria will be published in the Notice of Series.
The inaugural circuit will comprise:
Sorrento, Italy - 4-8 May 2027
Hosted within Tre Golfi Sailing Week
Organizing club: Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia
Scarlino, Italy - 21-27 June 2027
Coppa Toscana - a new event
Organizing club: Yacht Club Toscana
Palma de Mallorca, Spain - 31 July-7 August 2027
Hosted within the Copa del Rey MAPFRE
Organizing club: Real Club Náutico de Palma
This format is intended to recognize sustained commitment and performance across the complete Mediterranean campaign.
The inaugural circuit prize-giving will take place in Palma following the conclusion of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE. The overall winner will be awarded the ORC Challenge Paolo Massarini Trophy.
Full technical provisions, scoring arrangements and entry requirements will be published in the Notice of Series.
About the events
Tre Golfi Sailing Week is built around the historic Regata dei Tre Golfi, first held in 1954 and traditionally starting in the Bay of Naples. Its combination of offshore, coastal and inshore racing has made it a landmark of Mediterranean sailing. The 2026 edition hosted the ORC World Championship in Naples and Sorrento, where 15 Class 0 yachts competed, and the American TP52 Summer Storm was crowned world champion.
www.tregolfisailingweek.com
Coppa Toscana will make its debut in Scarlino in June 2027. On the Tuscan coast, the new event will serve as the circuit's central stage, connecting established regattas in southern Italy and the Balearic Islands.
www.yachtclubtoscana.com
Copa del Rey MAPFRE has been organized in Palma by the Real Club Náutico de Palma since its first edition in 1982. Now established as one of the Mediterranean's foremost international regattas, it hosted the ORC European Championship for the first time in 2025. That championship brought together 117 yachts from 24 countries, including 17 entries in ORC Class 0, with the American TP52 Vesper winning the European title. Class 0 returned strongly in 2026 with 14 entries - including ten TP52s or yachts that began their competitive lives as TP52s - and victory for Mauro Gestri's Vudu.
www.regatacopadelrey.com
Further information will be available at orc.org.