Steve Cole appointed RORC racing manager

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has appointed Steve Cole as the new racing manager, succeeding Chris Stone. The appointment is effective from 1 January 2023.

Stone will continue as a consultant to the race management team for the new Nelson’s Cup series in Antigua and the 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race.

RORC is a club in London with a further clubhouse and office in Cowes, Isle of Wight. It organises offshore races, including the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup.

Cole is from Gurnard on the Isle of Wight and has been a senior member of the RORC Racing team for the last five years. Prior to joining RORC, Cole was managing director of Cowes Yacht Haven for six years and was joint owner of a boatyard in East Cowes.

As a National Race Officer, he has also previously helped RORC in a voluntary role, including 10 Rolex Fastnet Race starts. A keen sailor, Cole has competed in the 1992 Round Britain and Ireland Race as boat captain on past RORC Admiral Donald Parr’s Quailo. He has also been involved with Gurnard Sailing Club for many years.

Cole will direct the race management team based in Cowes, Isle of Wight, who work year-round on the RORC Season’s Point Championship series of offshore races running from January to October.

The 2023 RORC Season includes the 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, as well as the Transatlantic Race and RORC Caribbean 600. Cole will also oversee the programme of inshore events, including the RORC Easter Challenge, Vice-Admiral’s Cup and IRC National Championship.

”It is a fantastic opportunity for me to become RORC Racing Manager and I hope to continue the good work already started,” he says. “Whilst the big boats bring the glamour and prestige to our flagship events, we recognise and appreciate the commitment of our members and competitors who race with us regularly in the smaller boat classes. Hopefully, we can continue to expand and improve our programme to suit everyone.”