Image: Squadron Line Start © Paul Wyeth/RORC
Start : 1000 BST Saturday May 3rd, 2025
Course : Cowes – Le Havre (110nm)
Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the Société des Régates du Havre and the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Offshore racing with the Royal Ocean Racing Club returns to Europe on Saturday, 3rd May with the Cervantes Trophy Race. This 110-nautical mile race takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend and traditionally marks the first domestic event of the RORC Season’s Points Championship—the world’s largest offshore racing series.
Starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line in Cowes, a fleet of over 100 boats is expected to race across the English Channel to Le Havre, France. More than 500 sailors from across Europe and the United States will be taking part. After the race, a warm welcome awaits at the Société des Régates du Havre, founded in 1838, it is the oldest yacht club in France.
How to Follow the Race
• First Start: 10:00, Saturday 3rd May
• Best Viewing: The Parade, Cowes — a spectacular sight with 100 yachts on view.
• Race Tracking: All boats are fitted with satellite trackers, with live updates available throughout the race. YB Tracking Link – here. Also available on Android or iOS devices free from your App. store (YB Races).
• Follow Online: Near real-time results via www.SailRaceHQ.com.
• Social Media: #RORCRacing on many platforms including Facebook, Instagram and X.
About the Cervantes Trophy
The Cervantes Trophy was donated to the RORC in 1972 by Bob Watson and named after his series of Cervantes yachts. The most successful, Cervantes IV, was part of Britain’s victorious 1971 Admiral’s Cup Team alongside Morning Cloud II (Prime Minister Ted Heath) and Prospect of Whitby (Arthur Slater). This year, the Cervantes Trophy Race is the first race of a new competition within the RORC Season’s Points Championship. The RORC Cowes Offshore Series counts the best five from seven races, all starting from Cowes, IOW.
A Historic Year for the RORC
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club—a century of dedication to offshore racing and international yachting excellence. The 2025 racing season is packed with exciting events. In June we'll have the conclusion of the West-East Transatlantic Race, followed in July with the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race where RORC celebrate 100 years since this famous race was first staged. The much-anticipated return of The Admiral's Cup will also be run in July and has attracted a world class fleet from around the globe.