NEW CLUBHOUSE FOR ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB OPENS IN COWES

The Royal Ocean Racing Club officially opened Its renovated clubhouse on Castle Hill, Cowes on Saturday (27th July). With the addition of some new building and distinctive cladding, there is now a modern look to an established fixture. In welcoming members and guests, RORC Admiral Mike Greville said much had occurred In the last 18 months, and mentioned it was 10 years since the merger with the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, which gave the RORC its own Cowes clubhouse for the first time. RORC Commodore Deborah Fish then performed the tape cutting, saying the club had exciting times ahead with 2025 being the centenary of the RORC. Originally called the Ocean Racing Club (the “Royal” was awarded in 1931), the club was founded just after the inaugural 1925 Ocean Race, which later became The Fastnet Race and is now the Rolex Fastnet Race. The original race had started off Ryde. Situated on Castle Rock. the Cowes clubhouse has outstanding views of the Solent. There is accommodation in 14 rooms. Its entrance  from Cowes Parade features a block-paved path, which is a big improvement on the original route. Colourful gardens complete with a fig tree  and flowering plants are a delight. Inside, distinctive blue carpeting features the club seahorse crest In white depicting the sea creature logo with its tail coiled in the opposite direction to natural seahorses. Artworks adorn the revamped clubhouse courtesy of Kendall’s Fine Art. QR codes give information on each piece for those wishing to purchase. Dining options include the exclusive Captain’s Room, which has place settings for 12. In the main dining room, there is a baby grand piano plus the Fastnet Bar, which boasts the Mermaid range of spirits, the Yachtman’s Ale, on tap from the Island Brewery and Island Roasted Coffee. Using Isle of Wight produce whenever possible Is the aim of the caterers at the club.