RORC Easter Challenge 2026 Preview
(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- The RORC Easter Challenge, organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, returns to the Solent from April 3-5, 2026, offering one of the most effective ways for racing teams to prepare for the season ahead.
Hosted from the RORC Cowes Clubhouse, the three-day regatta combines high-quality racing with world-class coaching, making it one of the most valuable early-season events in the racing calendar. Teams compete in short Solent races during the day, then review their performance through detailed video analysis and coaching sessions each evening.
RORC Racing Manager Chris Jackson explains why the event has become a cornerstone of many teams’ calendars:
“The Easter Challenge is about improving performance as much as competing. The combination of proper racing on the Solent and structured coaching sessions gives teams a chance to test their setups, sharpen maneuvers, and refine communication on board. It is the ideal way to start the season.”
IRC 2 Division
This eleven-boat class will feature twin J/122s- Peter Dunlop’s MOJITO and Derek Shakespeare’s BULLDOG- along with Ellie Wollmann’s J/111 FREQUENT FLYER.
IRC 3 Division
Sailing and training in this dozen-boat fleet is David Franks’s well-traveled J/112E LEON. They will be accompanied by a trio of J/99s- Alain Waha’s FURTHER WEST, Brian Denney’s JALAPENO 3, and Charles Balmain’s SNAPSHOT.
IRC 4 Division
There is a good turnout of J’s in this thirteen-boat fleet. Charles Martin’s J/105 JOYRIDE will be accompanied by a trio of J/109s- Oliver Love’s FRANK 4, George & Fred Neville-Jones and Robin Hardy’s JAMIRA, and Rob Cotteril’s MOJO RISIN.
A key element of the event is the on-the-water coaching program, led by Richard Moxey, former National Keelboat Development Manager at the Royal Yachting Association. Moxey and his team observe racing from RIBs, capturing video and data that is analyzed during evening debriefs.
Q&A with Richard Moxey | Leading the Coaching Program
Q1- What makes the RORC Easter Challenge different from other early-season regattas?
It is rare to receive coaching during an IRC regatta, so it is a great opportunity for teams who are not used to having someone analyze their performance. The Easter Challenge also has a collaborative and light-hearted atmosphere. Competitors are often just as focused on improving as they are on winning. It is the perfect way to start the season, bring the crew back together, and perhaps win some chocolate along the way.
Q2- How does the coaching work during the racing itself, and what are you looking for on the water?
This year, we are asking teams who are particularly keen on coaching to fly an RORC flag. That will help us focus our attention on the boats that want to develop the most. Across the coaching team, we have expertise in all the key areas from crew work and sail trim to tactics and strategy. Admiral’s Cup Race Officer Stuart Childerley will also be setting some challenging courses. In addition to the usual windward-leeward racing, teams will have opportunities to practice different sail combinations and racing scenarios.
Q3- What kind of performance gains can teams expect from the video debrief sessions?
We will review starts, mark roundings, and fleet positioning in detail. While the North Sails experts will be analyzing sail selection and trim. Seeing your boat from the outside crew perspective is incredibly valuable and often reveals small adjustments that can make a significant difference.
Q4- The Solent can be a very technical race area. Why is it such a valuable training ground for teams?
I do not think anyone has completely mastered the Solent. The combination of wind, tides, and geography means you can spend a lifetime learning more about it. The Solent hosts a large number of inshore regattas each year, and almost every RORC offshore race starts or finishes there. Understanding how to race well in the Solent is incredibly useful for offshore sailors.
Q5- Who benefits most from the coaching program, experienced race teams or developing crews?
The coaching is primarily aimed at developing teams. However, we are fortunate that some very experienced race teams also take part, and they are often happy to contribute their thoughts during the debrief sessions. Offshore and inshore teams alike benefit from practicing sailing angles and maneuvers that do not often appear in standard windward-leeward racing.
Q6- What are the most common areas where teams improve over the three days?
For many teams, the Easter Challenge is the only time they have the chance to review their performance from outside the boat. Using drone footage and on-the-water video, we can analyze crew work, decision-making, and sail setup in detail. That outside perspective can make a huge difference.
Q7- For crews planning a busy offshore season, how valuable is this type of early-season training?
It is a must-do. Race Officer Stuart Childerley will make sure the courses include sailing angles and maneuvers that simulate real offshore scenarios. Crews then have the chance to watch those moments back during the debrief while the coaching team offers practical tips for improvement.
For more RORC Easter Challenge sailing information
https://www.rorc.org/2026-race-programme