Refinements for 2027 Admiral’s Cup

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has published the Notice of Race for the 2027 Admiral’s Cup to be held July 13–28, with racing in the Solent and English Channel and culminating in the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Following the triumphant revival of the Admiral’s Cup in 2025, yacht clubs from across the world are invited to enter two-boat teams for the 2027 edition hosted from the RORC Cowes Clubhouse.

Established in 1957, the Admiral’s Cup has long been regarded as the pinnacle of international offshore team competition. After a 22-year hiatus, the 2025 edition was well-received as it reignited that legacy with 30 boats from 17 nations.

For 2027, the requirements for U27 and female sailors have been increased by one, but the teams can choose which boat they sail on. This reinforces RORC’s commitment to youth and female sailors, whilst at the same time giving maximum flexibility to competing teams.

The scoring format retains the weighting system introduced in 2025: double points for the Short Offshore Race and triple points for the Rolex Fastnet Race. Both offshore races are non-discardable.

The Notice has the addition of permitted draft limits, plus the refinement of rating bands and equipment inspection protocols. These changes reflect the feedback from the 2025 debrief process, ensuring even closer racing across both classes. The Notice also outlines updates to sail measurement and support-boat regulations.

“The 2025 Admiral’s Cup exceeded every expectation, from the depth of the fleet to the spirit on the dock, it reminded everyone why this event has such a special place in offshore racing history,” noted Steve Cole, Race Director, Admiral’s Cup.

“For 2027, our aim is to build on that foundation, not reinvent it. The feedback from teams, owners and yacht clubs has been overwhelmingly positive, and that’s reflected in this Notice of Race. We’ve made only small but thoughtful refinements: subtle tweaks to the rating bands and included permitted draft. We have also refined the inspection processes to make racing even fairer and closer across the two classes.

“The RORC team is focused on continuity, consistency, and quality. We want yacht clubs to feel confident about committing early, knowing that the 2027 Admiral’s Cup will deliver the same exceptional standard of competition and camaraderie that defined 2025. Hopefully, the 2027 edition will attract an even broader international entry to Cowes.”

Details: https://sailracehq.com/notice-board/b88c2b6a-9365-408e-9b7b-04db380c971d/Race?mc_cid=c183a1c57f&mc_eid=0be240810c

Source: RORC