25th edition of the Admiral's Cup - Entries open 1st July 2026
by Louay Habib / RORC 29 Jun 14:30 BST
13-28 July 2027
The Admiral's Cup blends intense inshore contests with offshore challenges, culminating in the Rolex Fastnet Race to decide the winner of the prestigious Admiral's Cup trophy © Rick Tomlinson / RORC
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) announces that entries will open on 1 July 2026 for the 2027 Admiral's Cup, marking the 25th edition of one of offshore racing's most prestigious international team competitions.
Rolex will continue as the Official Timepiece of The Admiral's Cup, further strengthening their longstanding relationship with the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Rolex has been the title sponsor of the Rolex Fastnet Race since 2001.
The Admiral's Cup 2027 Schedule has been published, setting out the key dates and activities, including registration, the press conference, skipper briefings, the short offshore race, inshore race days, prize-givings and crew events.
View the schedule here
First contested in 1957, The Admiral's Cup will celebrate 70 years of offshore racing heritage in 2027, building on its successful modern revival and reaffirming its position at the pinnacle of global yacht racing.
Yacht clubs from around the world are invited to enter two-boat teams, competing across a demanding series that combines inshore racing, an offshore race, and the Rolex Fastnet Race, which forms the climax of the event.
The Admiral's Cup format tests the full spectrum of sailing performance, strategy and teamwork, with overall honours awarded to the best combined team performance across the series. The inclusion of the Rolex Fastnet Race further underscores the event's stature within the international racing calendar.
The 2027 edition will also continue to reflect the evolving nature of the sport, with team compositions encouraging greater diversity and youth participation, reinforcing the role of The Admiral's Cup in shaping the future of offshore racing.
James Neville brings a unique perspective to The Admiral's Cup, having helped drive its revival as RORC Commodore before competing in the 2025 edition for the RORC team. Fresh from victory at the 2026 Sardinia Cup with Ino Veritas, he is already focused on the preparation required for 2027.
James Neville, former RORC Commodore and owner of Botin 52 Ino Veritas, commented:
"The Admiral's Cup is one of the great challenges in international offshore racing. It combines the intensity of close quarters inshore racing with the demands of the 700 mile Rolex Fastnet Race, which remains the pre-eminent offshore race in the world. To be competitive, you have to prepare a boat and put together a team that can perform across that full range.
"The teams that were best prepared in 2025 were the ones that performed, so for us this is very much a two year programme. The Sardinia Cup has been an important step along the way, but the next 12 months will be about building the crew, developing the boat and getting ready to perform at the level The Admiral's Cup demands.
"The team element is also very special. You are racing for your club, your crew and your partner boat. That increases the pressure, but it also raises the standard. When the best yacht clubs in the world come together, you get something very rare in offshore racing."
The regatta will be centred in Cowes, Isle of Wight, at the RORC Clubhouse, with racing culminating in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin following the Rolex Fastnet Race finish. The event runs from July 13 2027, with the Rolex Fastnet Race start scheduled for 24 July 2027.
Entries close on 28 February 2027 and teams are encouraged to register early to secure their place in this landmark edition. At this stage of the entry process, individual boats can enter without announcing team mates.
Further details, including entry requirements and the Notice of Race are available via the official event website: admiralscup.rorc.org or email: