Racing event Admiral's Cup regains momentum - Could it mark the peak of yachting competition for large vessels once more?
The sailing world is abuzz with excitement as the 2025 Admiral's Cup, a prestigious event in the maritime calendar, makes its long-awaited return after a 22-year hiatus. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) as part of its centenary celebrations, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, teamwork, and endurance.
The 'big boat world championship' will take place in Cowes, Isle of Wight, from the 19th to the 26th of July. Fifteen two-boat teams from around the globe will compete in this hybrid sailing event, which combines both inshore and offshore races, culminating in the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race.
The competition kicks off with the Channel Race on the 19th of July. This opening race, approximately 110-150 miles in length, will count for double points and serve as the starting gun for the event. The inshore racing follows on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd, with six races over three intense days.
Following the inshore races, there will be a lay day, providing a much-needed rest before the short offshore races. The event will then culminate with the classic Rolex Fastnet Race, a 695-mile offshore race that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned sailors.
Boat choice is critical for this event, as boats need to be optimized for both short-course racing and the Fastnet Race in a potentially huge range of wind conditions. Many of the newest designs now utilize water ballast to switch between inshore and offshore racing modes.
Among the boats to watch for are the stunning Elida, a modern cold-molded wooden design by Thomas Tison racing for Hamburger SC, and Caro, the winner of the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Other notable entries include the Botin 56 Black Pearl (New York YC), the Cookson 50 Privateer (racing for Royal Irish YC), and the TP52 Zen (CCYA).
The event will also feature a stellar crew list, with teams such as Yacht Club Monaco's Jolt 3 and Jolt 6, the Swedish entry Ràn, and the Australian TP52 Zen gracing the starting line.
Consistency will be key to winning the Admiral's Cup, as the best and worst results will be considered. Many teams have been training hard in the Solent for weeks, with the Royal Thames YC's 250th anniversary regatta with the IRC Nationals offering an early form indicator.
Satellite tracking will be available for both the inshore and offshore races, allowing spectators to follow the action live. The Live YB Satellite tracking for the first Channel Race can be found at https://cf.yb.tl/channel2025.
The Admiral's Cup has a dedicated microsite at https://admiralscup.rorc.org with the full entry list. The event concludes with the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race.
In addition to the competitive racing, the Admiral's Cup will also feature a prize giving at the Rolex Fastnet Race village in Cherbourg on Thursday, 31st July, at 1800.
With its combination of inshore, short offshore, and the legendary Fastnet Race, the 2025 Admiral's Cup promises to be a demanding and varied test of skill and teamwork, rewarding consistency and resilience across different race types. Don't miss out on this exciting event!
*Note: Dates and details are based on the provided information, which may be subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the Admiral's Cup microsite.
[1] Admiral's Cup 2025 [2] RORC [3] Rolex [4] Rolex Fastnet Race [5] IRC
[1] The 2025 Admiral's Cup, a renowned event on the sailing calendar, is set to rivet enthusiasts with its unique blend of inshore and offshore racing, culminating in the iconic Rolex Fastnet Race. [2] Alongside the thrilling competition, the event will offer a prize giving at the Rolex Fastnet Race village in Cherbourg.
