RORC

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is a British sailing organization dedicated to offshore yacht racing. Founded in 1925 by a group of British yachtsmen, the club promotes safety, fair competition, and the development of offshore sailing through racing, ratings, and education. It operates as a membership-based body that supports sailors and crews involved in offshore events.

The RORC organizes and sanctions a varied calendar of offshore races and regattas. Its premier events include the Rolex Fastnet Race, one of offshore sailing’s most renowned tests, as well as the RORC Transatlantic Race and affiliated regional offshore programs. In addition to race organization, the club provides handicapping information, race management resources, and safety guidelines to participants.

A key aspect of the RORC’s influence is its role in rating systems for offshore sailing. The club has historically developed and maintained handicapping rules, notably the RORC rating rule, which has informed the evolution of the International Rating Certificate (IRC) used in many offshore races worldwide. Through ratings work, the RORC aims to ensure competitive balance and clear measurement of yacht performance across diverse vessel designs.

The RORC also engages in outreach and education, publishing results, ratings guides, and safety resources for sailors. It collaborates with national and international sailing bodies to uphold standards for offshore racing and to promote the sport within the United Kingdom and beyond.