RORC Transatlantic Race 2026 | Destination: Antigua

Lanzarote the start of the RORC Transatlantic Race © James Mitchell/RORC

2026 RORC Transatlantic Race: Notice of Race published

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), in association with the International Maxi Association and Yacht Club de France, is delighted to announce the publication of the Notice of Race and the opening of online entry for the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race.

Falmouth & English Harbour Antigua © Arthur Daniel/RORC

Starting on Sunday 11 January 2026, this thrilling 2,995-nautical mile challenge will once again set sail from Calero Marinas Marina Lanzarote in the Canary Islands before charting a new course west to a spectacular finish in Antigua, West Indies. This exciting new destination ushers in a vibrant chapter in the race’s evolution, reinforcing its place as one of the great modern ocean classics and offering better logistics for race teams continuing on to Antigua for the RORC Caribbean 600.

Marina Lanzarote © James Mitchell/RORC

Now in its twelfth edition, the RORC Transatlantic Race welcomes a diverse fleet including IRC yachts, Superyachts, Classic yachts, Class40s, and high-performance Multihulls, with a dedicated IRC Two-Handed Class also available. Other one design and box-rule classes are welcome to enquire.

Key Highlights:

Start Date: 11 January 2026

Start Location: Marina Lanzarote, Arrecife, Canary Islands

Finish Location: Antigua, West Indies

Eligible Classes: IRC, Superyacht, Classic, Class40, MOCRA

Two-Handed IRC Class Available

Entry Open: via sailracehq.com

Closing Date: 8 December 2025

Rating Deadline: 12 December 2025

The RORC Transatlantic Race remains a cornerstone of the RORC Season’s Points Championship and forms part of the prestigious RORC Caribbean Series, alongside the legendary RORC Caribbean 600. A special trophy will be awarded to the IRC yacht with the best combined performance across both offshore races. Complementing these events, the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series will once again deliver an exciting inshore regatta in Antigua in the lead-up to the Caribbean 600.  

“As the race changes course to its new Caribbean finish, the RORC pays heartfelt tribute to its longstanding partners in Grenada,” commented RORC CEO Jeremy Wilton. “Our sincere thanks go to the Grenada Tourism Authority, Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, and the exceptional team, including local volunteers, who have supported and hosted the race for over a decade. Their unwavering commitment helped shape the RORC Transatlantic Race into the prestigious oceanic contest it is today.

“We now look forward to the warm Antiguan welcome we know so well from 16 editions of the RORC Caribbean 600. The Club looks forwarded to a new era for the RORC Transatlantic Race.”

Hon. Max Fernandez, Minister for Tourism, Aviation, Transportation, & Investment, Antigua & Barbuda commented:

"Antigua and Barbuda is proud to deepen its long-standing partnership with the Royal Ocean Racing Club. We have welcomed the RORC Caribbean 600 and its international fleet with open arms and now we further strengthen our relationship with hosting the finish of the RORC Transatlantic crossing.   

“We take pride in the impressive growth of the RORC Caribbean 600, this decision to now make Antigua and Barbuda the home of an additional race is a natural extension and synergy that shows the unmatched hospitality of our people and further validates us as the very hub and heart of yachting in the Caribbean.”