The goal? A competitive, social, and achievable campaign for owners, skippers and crews who want a full offshore racing season without the logistical strain of venturing too far afield.
The format
Seven races make up the Cowes Offshore Racing Series:
- Cervantes Trophy Race – May 3 (see results below)
- De Guingand Bowl Race – May 17 (see results below)
- Myth of Malham Race – May 24
- Morgan Cup Race – June 27
- Cowes-Dinard-St Malo Race – July 11
- Channel Race – July 19
- Cherbourg Race – September 5
The best five results from each team will count toward their series score, keeping the series flexible for those who might not make every race. Winners in each IRC class will take home the newly introduced Assuage Trophies.
Racing for all
RORC Commodore Deb Fish summed it up well:
“We created this series to be accessible to everyone.”
Whether you’re a double-handed team, a fully crewed modern racer, or a lovingly restored classic, the series offers a level playing field. Fish herself will be racing with Rob Craigie on the Sun Fast 3600 Bellino, a proven performer that’s twice taken the overall RORC Season’s Points Championship title.
Fish says the schedule has been created with limited time and budgets in mind, making this an aspirational yet realistic goal for many Solent-based boats.
“We’ve designed this to be the perfect racing weekend—interesting courses, strong competition, and a relaxed, social atmosphere off the water.”
Community and clubhouse
One of the stand-out features of the new series is the emphasis on community. The recently renovated RORC Cowes Clubhouse is positioned as the central hub, hosting crew suppers before each race and offering a base for socialising, story-sharing, and prize-giving after the season wraps.
With facilities including a restaurant, bar, and accommodation, plus those famous Solent views, the Clubhouse aims to bring people together beyond the finish line.
A platform for growth
The series has already attracted interest from a wide spectrum of boats. Among them is Andrew Tseng’s Quailo 3, a 1971 Nicholson 55 sloop and former Admiral’s Cup contender, now fully restored and campaigned by friends. Tseng says the series offers “the joy of competitive offshore racing with a good-sized fleet” and praises the IRC rule for enabling classics like his to compete fairly.
He’s also keen on the learning environment the series offers: “You learn in every race—by watching others, sailing alongside them, and exchanging insights back onshore. It’s a welcoming series where everyone can grow.”
Satellite tracking comes standard
Starting with the Cervantes Trophy Race on 3 May, mandatory satellite tracking will be required for all offshore RORC races. The aim is twofold: improving fan engagement with real-time race updates and streamlining logistics for race organisers.
RORC Racing Manager Steve Cole notes the broader value:
“Tracking enhances the integrity of the sport by ensuring fair racing and compliance with designated routes and exclusion zones.”
An inclusive, aspirational series
With Cowes-based starts, a focused and flexible schedule, and a strong social angle, the Cowes Offshore Racing Series is already proving popular. It’s particularly well-suited for crews who want top-tier racing without needing to commit to far-flung logistics or full-season campaigns.
As Andrew Tseng puts it: “If you love offshore sailing—or you’re just getting into it—why wouldn’t you take part?”
For offshore racing teams looking for a fresh but manageable challenge in 2025, the Cowes Offshore Racing Series looks like the perfect opportunity to mix high-quality racing with camaraderie and club spirit.
Results: Cervantes Trophy Race – May 3
Entries are predominantly British or French. Entered are 9 Beneteau Firsts, 6 Classic Yachts (Nicholson, Swan, Sagita, and Contessa), 17 J-Boats (45, 99, 105, 109, 121, 133), 23 Jeanneau Sunfasts (3200, 3300, 3600), 10 JPKs, 2 P30s, 6 P40s, 2 Sigma 38s, 4 X-Yachts, and 2 Dazcat multihulls.
IRC winners (91 results):
First – Orbit, a Jeanneau Sunfast 3300 owned by Dan Fellows, elapsed time 19:15:05
Second – Kestrel, a Jeanneau Sunfast 3300 owned by Simon Bamford, elapsed time 19:30:38
Third – Gameon, a Jeanneau Sunfast 3300 owned by Ian Hoddle, elapsed time 19:54:51
Results: De Guingand Bowl Race – May 17
Less boats entered this race. With a similar range of boats.
IRC winners (68 results):
First – AMP-LIFI, a Carkeek 40+ owned by Chris Frost, with elapsed time 13:42:50
Second – Long Courrier, a Sydney GTS 43 owned by Gery Trentesaux, with elapsed time 15:24:44
Third – With Alactrity, a Sigma 38 owned by Chris Choules, with elapsed time 19:46:58
