ocean racing

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July 1, 2026

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Ocean racing involves competitive sailing races held over long distances, often across oceans. These races can be point-to-point, such as transoceanic voyages, or circumnavigations of the globe. The sport has a history dating back to the mid-19th century, with early races like the one from Sandy Hook to the Isle of Wight in 1866.1

Modern ocean racing utilizes sophisticated yachts and employs rating rules to ensure fair competition among vessels of different designs. These rules consider factors like length, beam, and sail area. Organizations like the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) are dedicated to promoting offshore and ocean racing. Notable races include the Bermuda Race and the Transpacific Race.21

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yacht
Transatlantic racing and global circumnavigation
Ocean racing began in 1866 with a match race held under NYYC rules from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, to Cowes, Isle of Wight, by three schooners of 32- to 32.6-metre length: Fleetwing, Vesta, and Henrietta. Henrietta, owned by the American newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett, won…
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Ocean racing began in 1866 with a match race held under NYYC rules from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, to Cowes, Isle of Wight, by three schooners of 32- to 32.6-metre length: Fleetwing, Vesta, and Henrietta. Henrietta, owned by the American newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett, won…
Read More