The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is set to commemorate a century of passion, innovation, and commitment to offshore racing in 2025. The RORC Centenary will feature an exciting program of first-class racing events and social gatherings that promise to engage sailing enthusiasts around the globe.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club will be marking its centenary in 2025. The London Clubhouse © Matt Dickens/Imagecomms
“The 2025 season promises not only exhilarating racing but also exceptional social events at our elegant RORC St James’s Clubhouse in London and the beautifully transformed RORC Cowes Clubhouse on the Isle of Wight,” said RORC Commodore Deb Fish. “We invite everyone to join us to enjoy this amazing season – a fitting tribute to a century of excellence in offshore racing.”
Kicking off the centenary celebrations, the season will feature over 10,000 miles of ocean racing across three continents, beginning in January with the iconic 3,000-mile RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Grenada. The excitement continues in February with the thrilling RORC Caribbean 600, challenging sailors to a high-speed dash around 11 stunning Caribbean islands.
As spring unfolds, the RORC European offshore calendar will commence in April with the continuation of the 16-race RORC Season’s Points Championship, the largest offshore racing series in the world. The summer will see the historic West-East Transatlantic Race departing from the New York Yacht Club in June, while July will mark the pinnacle of the season with the 100th anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race, accompanied by the much-anticipated return of the Admiral’s Cup.
The 2025 RORC racing season features events across three continents © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures
The season will conclude in September with the Salcombe Gin RORC Centenary Race and the Offshore Double Handed World Championship, solidifying 2025 as a memorable year for sailing aficionados.
To mark this historic milestone, RORC is also organizing global celebrations and unveiling exclusive merchandise. Formal dinners will be hosted by associated yacht clubs and RORC members across four continents, including venues such as the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the Yacht Club de France, and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, among others.
A centenary book and photo exhibition will feature such yachts as the classic yacht Dorade © ROLEX / Daniel Forster
In addition, a centenary book documenting the evolution of the RORC over the past 100 years will be published, as well as a photographic exhibition showcasing the club's significant milestones through rare photographs and important documents.
Exciting new merchandise will also be made available, allowing fans and members to commemorate this significant anniversary in style.
With a vibrant blend of racing and social activities planned, the RORC Centenary promises to be an extraordinary celebration of a century of offshore racing excellence. Join the community in honoring the past while looking forward to a thrilling future on the high seas.
Credits: RORC
The 82-meter Oceanco motor yacht Alfa Nero has been listed for sale at €88.5 million through Northrop & Johnson. Broker Richard Higgins holds the exclusive listing for the vessel, which was delivered in 2007 and underwent comprehensive refitting in 2024.Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with interiors by Alberto Pinto, the yacht features Art Deco elements combined with contemporary aesthetics. Notable features include an aft infinity pool with glass waterfall sides and a convertible floor that rises to form a flush entertainment area. The pool system was among the first of its kind in yacht design.Accommodations include six staterooms for 12 guests connected by glass elevators. The master suite occupies the upper deck forward section with private office, marble bathroom, and hot tub-equipped terrace. Additional amenities comprise a spa, sauna, steam room, cinema, and beauty salon.Technical specifications include twin MTU engines providing 18-knot cruising speed and 20-knot maximum speed. The yacht carries a Vanquish VQ45 chase boat and extensive water toys including jet skis, seabobs, and a jellyfish-protected sea pool.The steel-hulled vessel offers 1,250 square meters of living space across multiple decks. Alfa Nero remains one of the most recognizable superyachts in global waters following its 2024 refit, which updated systems while maintaining its original design integrity.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 26, 2025
The 2021 Feadship motor yacht Somnium, constructed by De Vries shipyard with exterior design by Studio De Voogt and interior architecture by FM Architettura, is currently offered for sale. The aluminum-hulled vessel presents an opportunity for ownership without new-build waiting periods.Somnium accommodates 10 guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite featuring a private balcony and dedicated office space. The interior design emphasizes functional luxury for extended global cruising.Key features include a 2.55-meter draft enabling access to shallow anchorages, an aft deck plunge pool with adjustable depth and counter-current system, and an expansive foredeck lounge area. The sun deck incorporates a hot tub and panoramic viewing areas.Technical specifications include an enclosed tender garage with dedicated dive storage and a fold-down transom platform creating sea-level access from the gymnasium. The yacht's design prioritizes family-oriented cruising with multiple outdoor social areas.The 2021 delivery date places Somnium among contemporary Feadship offerings with updated navigation systems and propulsion technology. The vessel's availability provides immediate access to Dutch-built superyacht ownership without construction lead times.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
August 26, 2025
Polish shipbuilder Sialia Yachts has entered final construction phases for its inaugural fully electric Sialia 45 model at its Gdansk facility, with launch scheduled for autumn 2025. The 14-meter performance cruiser represents the company's initial production electric yacht.The vessel utilizes twin 300kW electric motors delivering a maximum speed of 43 knots. Power comes from standard 500kWh battery packs providing 55 nautical miles of range at 25 knots, with optional endurance packages extending range to 77 nautical miles. Optional biodiesel-compatible range extenders (140kW or 350kW) can increase maximum distance to 164 or 240 nautical miles respectively.Milvio Ricci, Chief Commercial Officer at Sialia Yachts, commented: "Originally, we planned to launch the first yacht in summer, but decided to extend the timeline. It is not a delay; it is a choice to ensure the Sialia 45 exceeds every expectation."Construction incorporates carbon sandwich epoxy hulls built using three infusion processes to reduce weight and minimize noise transmission. The design emphasizes reduced maintenance requirements compared to conventional propulsion systems, with electric motors requiring only decadal servicing and batteries rated for 3,000 cycles under five-year warranty coverage.The model will be offered in multiple configurations including open-deck Runabout, center-console Sport, and enclosed-deckhouse Weekender versions. Sustainable materials feature throughout including standard recycled cork flooring.Charging systems support rapid replenishment from 10% to 90% capacity in approximately 2.5 hours. The launch marks Sialia's entry into the competitive electric yacht market, targeting Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising itineraries with its combination of performance and emission-free operation.Established in 2017, Sialia Yachts, owned by Silent Straits, is a company focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly innovation aiming to set new standards in yachting, with designs that inspire both enthusiasts and experts. The company offers the following models: 45, 59, and 80 Explorer. Sialia Yachts is based in Warsaw, Poland, with a team that includes members in the Netherlands and Italy.Credits: Sialia Yachts
August 26, 2025
Finnish boat manufacturer Saxdor Yachts will present the global premiere of its new Saxdor 400 GTS model at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The open-deck vessel expands the existing 400 series, joining the 400 GTO and 400 GTC models.The 400 GTS features a T-top roof, semi-walkaround layout, and fold-down terraces characteristic of the brand. The design emphasizes open-air cruising with overnight capability through two cabins below deck. Forward seating converts to a sunbed, while aft sofas surround a convertible dining table.Built on the same twin-stepped hull as other 400 series models, the GTS is powered by Mercury V10 425hp engines. The helm station accommodates three seats under shelter with optional sliding glass side doors.Saxdor's new model targets boaters seeking open-deck configurations without sacrificing the weather protection and functionality found in the company's other designs. The 400 GTS will be displayed alongside other Saxdor models at the festival, with production following the unveiling.The Finnish brand continues to expand its product range amid reported growth in European powerboat sales. Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
August 26, 2025
Fraser has reduced the asking price for the 50-meter motor yacht Belongers to €12.9 million. The vessel was built by French shipyard Couach in 2014 as part of the limited 5000 Fly 2 series, with only two units completed.Constructed under supervision of project managers and surveyors, the yacht features exterior and interior design by Metrica. The 497 GT vessel accommodates 12 guests in a 5+1 stateroom configuration, including a main-deck master suite with dual bathrooms and walk-in closets. The layout includes two double cabins, one convertible double/twin cabin with Pullman berth, and one single cabin on the lower deck.Outdoor areas feature bridge deck alfresco dining for 12 guests and a sundeck owner's office. Performance specifications include twin MTU engines enabling a cruising speed of 15 knots and maximum speed of 24 knots. Quantum zero-speed stabilizers provide comfort both underway and at anchor.The price adjustment reflects current market conditions for large motor yachts built in the mid-2010s. Fraser continues to manage the sale of the vessel, which remains available for immediate inspection and purchase. Credits: Fraser
August 25, 2025