The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has published the Notice of Race for the 2027 Admiral’s Cup, officially opening the next chapter of one of offshore racing’s most celebrated international events.

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. The event will once again be hosted from the RORC Cowes Clubhouse, with racing in the Solent and English Channel and culminating in the Rolex Fastnet Race.

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 reignited that legacy with 30 boats from 17 nations, delivering spectacular racing and a return of national pride to Cowes. The 2027 event builds on that success, combining proven formats with refined technical parameters to ensure fair, competitive racing for the next generation of sailing teams.

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 successful 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.

Refining Success

Minor but meaningful refinements distinguish the 2027 Notice of Race for the Admiral’s Cup. 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” Commented 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.”