The Admiral's Cup

The Admiral’s Cup will take place in Cowes during July 2027 after a triumphant return in 2025. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the event challenges teams in a combination of inshore and offshore racing, concluding with the Rolex Fastnet Race and a prize giving at the Yacht Club de Cherbourg.  

The event was founded in 1957 by then RORC Admiral Sir Miles Wyatt, alongside four other key figures of the club, John Illingworth, Peter Green, Geoffrey Pattinson and Selwyn Slater, to create an inshore racing series with an offshore element that would attract overseas yachts. The cup was named after the Admiral, reflecting his role in founding the event and lending his title to the trophy and competition. 

The first event was held between Great Britain and the United States of America, with Great Britain emerging victorious. The next event in 1959 was opened out internationally and at its pinnacle during the 1970’s the cup had 19 entries from different countries, with the Admiral’s Cup emerging to be considered the foremost offshore racing series in the world, earning the moniker as the unofficial world cup for offshore racing.  

From its inception in 1957 until 1999, the Admiral’s Cup was held biennially, and then again in 2003, before the difficult decision was made to cancel the event. However, to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club in 2025 the event was reignited, bringing international sailing back to Cowes and reconnecting elite offshore racing with high-performance inshore racing. 

Previous formats saw three yachts entered from one country to win the cup but in 2003 this was reduced to two. Currently, entries are accepted from individual yacht clubs, the location of the club determining the nationality of the team. The 2025 edition saw 15 teams from 12 countries, each sailing with multinational professionals and Corinthian crews. To promote youth and diversity participation the new framework endeavours to make the sport of sailing more inclusive and accessible and each two-boat team must have at least two female crew and two crew members of under 27 years old taking part.  

Throughout its history The Admiral’s Cup has attracted the highest quality of sailors as well as witnessing dramatic shifts in yacht design and sailing techniques. Its rebirth continues to embrace new and emerging technologies, whilst attracting a fresh generation of sailors and fans. 

For more details visit the Official Notice Board for the 2027 Admiral's Cup.

Past Winners of the The Admiral's Cup