ORC and Yacht Racing Forum: Strengthening the Future of the Sport

With just a few weeks to go until the Yacht Racing Forum 2025, the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) encourages members of the international sailing and yacht racing community to register and take part in this important gathering. The Forum will be held 20–21 November in Amsterdam, and ORC is pleased to participate once again as an institutional partner.

A Partnership Built on Shared Goals

ORC’s collaboration with the Yacht Racing Forum began in early 2025, marking a shared commitment to innovation, fairness, and the long-term development of the sport.

“We are delighted to have ORC as an official institutional partner,” says Bernard Schopfer, founder and CEO of the Yacht Racing Forum.

“ORC’s work is central to ensuring fairness and scientific accuracy in competitive sailing, and their engagement in the Forum helps strengthen the connection between technical development and the broader challenges facing our sport.

We look forward to welcoming ORC’s leadership and members to Amsterdam and to continuing our collaboration in shaping the future of yacht racing.”

A Forward-Looking Programme

The 2025 edition of the Forum will explore key topics affecting the sport today and tomorrow, including:

• Youth access and development
• Sustainability, diversity, and inclusion
• Advances in yacht design and composite materials
• The impact of artificial intelligence and data in racing

Reviews of major regattas such as the Admiral’s Cup, Barcolana, The Ocean Race Europe, and SailGP

Speakers include leading figures from across the sport:

• Sir Russell Coutts, CEO, SailGP
• David Graham, CEO, World Sailing
• Richard Brisius, CEO, The Ocean Race
• Bruno Dubois, Team Manager, France SailGP Team

ORC at the Forum

As the world’s leading measurement-based rating system, ORC values the opportunity to contribute to the broader dialogue on the sport’s direction and development.

“This event serves as a valuable platform for the global racing community to meet, exchange ideas, and reflect on key trends and challenges,” says Thomas Nilsson, ORC Head of Communication.

“ORC looks forward to participating in the discussions and strengthening our links with classes, organizers, and technical stakeholders.”

A Space for Meaningful Connections

In addition to the plenary sessions, the Forum offers a well-structured social programme to support networking and informal exchange:

• Delegates’ Lunch – Thursday, 20 November
• Sailors’ Night Reception – Thursday evening
• Friday Brunch – Friday, 21 November

Frequent breaks and casual meetups throughout both days provide additional opportunities for connection.

Final Call to Register

With the event fast approaching, ORC encourages its members, partners, rating offices, and fellow stakeholders to take part in this year’s Forum. Whether you’re involved in technical development, event organization, sailing performance, or class management, the Yacht Racing Forum offers a valuable space to listen, learn, and collaborate.

Register here: www.yachtracingforum.com