Big J/Boats Contingent Ready for RORC Morgan Cup Race to Dartmouth
(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- The Salcombe Gin Morgan Cup Race marks the next major offshore test in the 2026 RORC Season’s Points Championship, the world’s largest offshore racing series and is the fourth race of the RORC Cowes Offshore Series, giving teams another valuable score in the seven race program based around starts from Cowes.
Starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line, the fleet will race west for 110.0nm from Cowes towards Dartmouth, with a course that blends Solent tactics, tidal gates along the south coast, and the final approach to the River Dart.
The race is long enough to reward offshore discipline, but short enough to be raced at high intensity from the start. With headlands, tidal gates and possible transition zones all in play, the Morgan Cup is a race where concentration, sail changes and timing can make a big difference.
In excess of 40 boats across six IRC Classes gives the race real depth. The IRC fleet includes a strong mix of fully crewed and two handed teams, ranging from high performance race boats, racer/cruisers and classic designs.
IRC 1 Division
IRC One brings together competitive teams with a wide rating spread. Nick and Jacquetta Edmonds’ J/45 STICKLEBACK continues to add more offshore miles ahead of their summer preparation for the Round UK/ Ireland Race. Francois Charles’ J/133 SUN HILL IV will add variety to a class that could be wide-open depending on the conditions.
IRC 2 Division
In IRC Two, RORC Vice Commodore Derek Shakespeare returns with his J/122 BULLDOG, which has been in excellent form this season, including second overall in the Myth of Malham Race.
IRC 4 Division
IRC Four brings together nine boats with a strong mix of proven offshore performers and characterful designs. Rob Cotterill’s J/109 MOJO RISIN, third overall and class winner in the Myth of Malham Race, will be one of the favorites. Bruce Kavanagh’s J/109 JEEPSTER and Jean Baptiste Brian’s J/99 JOLLY JUMPER add further depth to IRC Four.
For more Salcomb Gin RORC Morgan Cup Race sailing information
https://www.rorc.org/2026-race-programme