Cervantes Trophy Race Preview - RORC Offshore Racing Returns to Europe
by RORC 24 Apr 10:28 PDT
3 May 2025
Start line at Cowes © Paul Wyeth
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.
Entry List Here
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 via YB Tracking. Also available on Android or iOS devices free from your App. store (YB Races).
- Follow Online: Near real-time results via SailRaceHQ.com.
- Social Media: #RORCRacing on many platforms including Facebook, Instagram and X.
Cervantes Trophy Pre-Race Supper - Friday, 2nd May
A relaxed crew supper for competitors, family, and friends will be held at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse on Friday, 2nd May from 19:30. It's a great chance to connect ahead of the race start. Early booking is recommended: Book here.
1971 Admiral's Cup featuring Cervantes IV
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.