Admiral's Cup to return to Cowes in 2025

The Admiral’s Cup will return to Cowes next year, with racing between July 19 and 24, 2025, marking 100 years of the sailing race.

Fourteen countries have already expressed an interest in competing.

Teams of two boats can enter, representing a club or country.

There will be no limitation on professional crew, or on nationality and crews must include a female sailor and one who is aged under 27 years old.

Races will be a mix of on and off-shore, with prize-giving on July 31.

First held in 1957, the Admiral's Cup last took place in 2003, when Australia's entry, Wild Oats, lifted the prize.

It was cancelled in 2001 and 2005.

In the early years, only the UK and the USA took part, but these days it is a much more international affair.

When the Admiral's Cup returns, there will be social events at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse, which itself will be reopening after construction and refurbishment.

RORC Commodore Deborah Fish said: "The Admiral's Cup has a long and distinguished history, attracting the leading sailors of its age, such as Dennis Connor through to British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, to legends Eric Tabarly and Lawrie Smith.

“Professional crews are increasingly multinational and there is a growing acceptance of the need to include talented female and younger sailors in crews to ensure our sport has a bright future.

"Owners are starting to build new boats for the event and 15 months out the excitement is already building.

"The RORC Race Team is gearing up to deliver a first-class event, and our redeveloped Cowes Clubhouse will provide a fantastic venue for the social programme which will include a reunion for past Admiral's Cup competitors from around the world," said Deborah.

Entries will open on July 1 and the event will also kickstart the Rolex Fastnet Face.

Plans to bring the Admiral's Cup back were first unveiled in July 2023, as reported HERE by the County Press, in the hope the long notice would mean teams had time to prepare.