The Royal Ocean Racing Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Cole as the new Racing Manager from 1st January 2023, succeeding Chris Stone who will continue as a consultant to the Race Management team for the new Nelson's Cup series in Antigua and the 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Steve is from Gurnard on the Isle of Wight and has huge experience having been a senior member of the RORC Racing team for the last five years. Prior to joining RORC, Steve was Managing Director of Cowes Yacht Haven for six years and was joint owner of a boat yard in East Cowes.

As a National Race Officer, he has also previously helped RORC in a voluntary role, including 10 Rolex Fastnet Race starts. 

Steve was in charge of the 2022 Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race which was voted Event of the Year at the prestigious British Yachting Awards. He is also the Principal Race Officer for Cowes Week.

A keen sailor himself, Steve has raced inshore and offshore for many years. His first offshore race was in 1978, racing a J/24 to Deauville, and he also competed in the 1992 Round Britain and Ireland Race as boat captain on past RORC Admiral Donald Parr's Quailo. He has also been involved with Gurnard Sailing Club for many years and will use those skills to assist the Cowes Clubhouse when needed.

Steve will direct the Race Management Team based in Cowes, Isle of Wight, who work year-round on the RORC Season's Point Championship; a much-coveted series of offshore races running from January to October. The 2023 RORC Season includes the 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, as well as the Transatlantic Race and RORC Caribbean 600. Steve will also oversee the programme of inshore events, including the RORC Easter Challenge, Vice-Admiral's Cup and IRC National Championship.

''It is a fantastic opportunity for me to become RORC Racing Manager and I hope to continue the good work already started. Whilst the big boats bring the glamour and prestige to our flagship events, we recognise and appreciate the commitment of our members and competitors who race with us regularly in the smaller boat classes. Hopefully we can continue to expand and improve our programme to suit everyone.''