Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the RORC Easter Challenge, 18 – 20 April, is an open event raced in the Solent and hosted by the RORC Cowes Clubhouse. The three-day regatta is designed to kick-start any team’s racing season.
Held over the Easter Weekend since 1991, the Easter Challenge was the RORC’s first all-inshore event and the first event of its kind to relax the rule on outside assistance. Complimentary coaching is available to all competitors on the water during racing and afterwards with video debriefs at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse. Easter Eggs as prizes is a tradition which still continues today.
Race Coach Mason King will once again manage the coaching team with Ian Walker and North Sails experts providing pin-point assistance to get crews of any level up to speed. The courses are designed to practice boat handling and performance over a range of sailing angles. This also creates options in sail choice, racing mode, plus deck and rig set up.
A competitor’s whatsapp group will be active right through the RORC Easter Challenge. This will inform the boats about the intentions of the Race Committee, but it will be a two-way channel, so competitors can ask for coaching advice during racing.
As with all RORC events, the regatta is suitable for a wide variety of sailors and boats. This year entries range from teams competing in the forthcoming Rolex Fastnet Race and Admiral’s Cup, through one designs such as J/109s and sailing school teams including the London School of Sailing. Teams from the Armed Forces have always raced at the RORC Easter Challenge and this year, the Royal Navy Sailing Association continues that legacy.
Three days of racing are organised in the Solent from Good Friday to Easter Sunday (18-20 April). All participants will receive a warm welcome at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse. Accommodation and dining options are available but booking is highly recommended. Book here.
“The RORC Easter Challenge is designed to enhance the performance of all participating teams, irrespective of their experience levels,” commented RORC Racing Manager Steve Cole. “The brief for the team of expert coaches is to ensure every sailor benefits from the event. While fleets are organised into IRC classes, we also group boats with similar training needs to optimise coaching value. This interactive coaching system has been a hallmark of the regatta for over 20 years, offering world-class coaching opportunities to all entrants.”
The closing date for entries for the RORC Easter Challenge is Thursday 10th April 2025. For online entry and to view the Notice Board. Click here.
