Announcing the (sort of) Corinthian Cup

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is getting ready for the 2027 Admiral’s Cup, marking the 25th edition of one of offshore racing’s most prestigious international team competitions. Since the series was resurrected in 2025 after the event had paused in 2003, the Club is initiating a new idea to promote participation.

Amid the Admiral’s Cup, the Corinthian Cup will be awarded to the best-scoring eligible 2-boat team. But while the concept is to celebrate the Corinthian tradition with amateur sailors, the trophy regulations are not too stern.

To be eligible, the team may have no more than four sailors holding World Sailing Group 3 (professional) categorization on its Admiral’s Cup 1 boat and no more than three on its Admiral’s Cup 2 boat. In 2025, the AC 1 winner was a 52-footer while the AC 2 winner was 40 feet. Translated, the Corinthian teams will have about one-third pros.

“We want the Admiral’s Cup to remain the pinnacle of international offshore team racing, but it is equally important that there is a place for passionate amateur sailors and emerging talent,” commented RORC Sporting Director Ben Willows. “The Corinthian Cup recognizes teams that combine those qualities with the preparation, commitment, and skill required to compete at this level.”