New leadership at RORC

Jeremy Wilton

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has appointed Jeremy Wilton as the new Chief Executive of the London and Cowes based Club on April 6, 2021.

He will take over the leadership and development role of one of the world’s most influential yacht clubs from Eddie Warden Owen, who has helped shape the success of the Club through its international offshore racing program for the past 12 years.

Established in 1925, RORC is best known for the biennial Fastnet Race and the international team event, the Admiral’s Cup. RORC organizes an annual series of offshore races from its base in Cowes as well as inshore regattas in the Solent.

Additionally, the RORC has been a leader in yacht rating systems and in co-operation with the French offshore racing club, UNCL, created IRC – the International Rating Certificate. IRC is a World Sailing recognized rating system and the principal yacht measurement system for the rating of racing yachts worldwide.

“Having held senior leadership positions in the world of rugby, where he spent over seven years working at Bath Rugby and Wasps, as well as over a decade at Whitbread PLC and founded and developed a marketing communications agency, we are certain that Jeremy’s experience and vision will be a huge asset, ensuring that the RORC is in a strong position as it nears the Club’s centenary in 2025,” said RORC Commodore, James Neville.

Wilton is no stranger to the world of sailing. During his time at Whitbread PLC, he oversaw and developed a sponsorship portfolio which covered two Whitbread Round the World Races, and having been introduced to sailing at a young age, it has featured heavily throughout his life, both in Australia and the UK.

Starting in dinghies of various shapes and sizes and graduating to offshore racing. He has competed in the Fastnet, Sydney to Coffs Harbour and nearly all of the RORC’s long-distance races; numerous Cowes Week regattas, and narrowly missed out on representing Great Britain in the Admiral’s Cup.

Warden Owen will step down from the overall running of the RORC in April, but will continue to work on delivering the Club’s flagship event – the 49th Rolex Fastnet Race starting August 8 from Cowes, UK and finishing for the first time in Cherbourg, France.

“I am looking forward to guiding the Club into a new era and to be part of the team that will chart the next chapter of this esteemed Club’s history,” noted Wilton.

The RORC has 4,000 members and a clubhouse based in St James’ Place, London. After a merger with The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes it also boasts a superb clubhouse facility at the entrance to Cowes Harbour.

Source: RORC