Advanced Offshore Regatta

ORC World Championship Advanced Sailing Course advertisement. Close-up of a sailor's gloved hands holding a large trophy, with a sailboat and Mount Vesuvius visible in the sunny background.

Step into the elite world of competitive sailing. The 2026 ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) World Championship in Sorrento is not just a sailing competition; it is the ultimate test of precision, speed, and teamwork.

Compete against professional crews from around the globe in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. From the scientific rigor of boat measurement to the adrenaline of the starting line, this is a 10-day immersion into the highest level of Grand Prix sailing.

Building on Success: Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025

With a history of success in demanding conditions, Veruda Sailing School proved its expertise again in 2025 by completing the grueling 2,300 NM Pula-Malta-Pula offshore course and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Our fully booked crew of five transformed from students into a racing team, conquering the 606-mile "most beautiful race in the world" and finishing strong. See for yourself what our 2025 alumni had to say about their journey.

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025 Crew in Action
"I had a fantastic time doing the Middle Sea Race with Robert, his attention to detail while sailing and knowing how to get the most out of his boat was great to work with!

Lovely vibe onboard, I'd happily come back for a delivery or another race!"

— Tom Moody, UK
"I completed the 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race with S/Y Buri and Robert as skipper. It was a fantastic experience!

Robert is great to sail with — calm and confident on the helm, but also fun and easygoing when off watch. He’s an excellent sailor and always happy to share his knowledge and experience with the crew. I'd definitely sail with him again!"

— Christoforos Chatzikomis, Greece

ORC World Championship

Sailboats docked at Sorrento Marina with ORC World Championship flags, crews prepping on deck, and Mount Vesuvius in the background. The ORC World Championship is widely considered the "Super Bowl" of handicap racing. Unlike offshore marathons where survival is key, this event is about precision. Races are won and lost by seconds. Every tack, every sail change, and every millimeter of trim counts. You will be racing shoulder-to-shoulder with Olympic medalists, America’s Cup veterans, and the best amateur teams in the world.

Steaming Neapolitan pizza with a puffy, charred crust, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a wooden table.There is no sailing venue more iconic than the Bay of Naples, a maritime hub since the ancient Greeks founded Neapolis (New City). The racecourse acts as a natural amphitheater, dominated by the brooding silhouette of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that famously preserved Pompeii in time. We race in waters rich with millennia of history, bordered by the glamorous island of Capri and the rugged beauty of Ischia. Expect complex thermal winds driven by the volcanic topography, steep chop, and the legendary Italian "Dolce Vita" awaiting on shore.

Sound like your kind of challenge?

Only a few crew places left. Once they're filled, they're filled.

What to Expect:

Prerequisites:

The Championship Program

This is not just one race; it is a series of races testing every aspect of a sailing team.

1. Measurement & Prep (Days 1-2)

Experience the technical side of Grand Prix sailing: weighing the boat, measuring sails, and optimizing our GPH rating. We run practice drills in the bay to synchronize the crew.

2. The Offshore Race (approx. 24-30 Hours)

The main event opens with a distance race (approx. 150 NM). A tactical tour of the Tyrrhenian Sea, likely rounding Capri or Ischia. Endurance and night navigation are key.

3. The Inshore Series (Days 5-9)

The "Grand Prix" phase. Multiple Windward/Leeward races per day. These are intense sprints involving crowded start lines, split-second maneuvers, and constant spinnaker sets.

4. The Prize Giving Ceremony (Day 10)

The culmination of the campaign. We gather with crews from around the world to celebrate the victories, the battles fought, and the spirit of sportsmanship, crowning the new World Champions under the stars of Sorrento.

A wide aerial view of the Bay of Naples on a sunny day, showing dozens of sailboats with white and black sails scattered across the deep blue water, with the coastline, the island of Capri on the left, and Mount Vesuvius emitting a faint plume of smoke in the background.

Event Summary

  • Check-in: Sorrento, ... (afternoon)
  • Check-out: Sorrento, ... (evening)
  • Duration: ... days *
  • Places Total: ...
  • Places Available: ...
Cost Per Person
... € **
Book Now
What's Included
  • Regatta entry fees
  • Boat & equipment
  • Fuel & mooring
  • All standard expenses
  • 10 days of coaching
  • Championship experience
What You Bring
  • Life vest with harness
  • Personal sailing gear
  • Travel to/from Sorrento
  • Travel insurance (rec.)
  • World Sailing ID (free)
  • Commitment & team spirit
* The duration depends on regatta organizing committee decisions and weather conditions, and does not influence the course cost.
** No hidden costs! Covers regatta entry fees and all standard expenses described under Terms and Conditions. Does not cover required personal equipment (life vest with harness, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

What boat will we race on?

We compete on Buri, an Elan 333. She completed the 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race and is fully equipped for championship racing.

What does the price cover?

Everything you need to race: regatta entry fees, boat costs, fuel, mooring, and all standard expenses. The only extras are personal safety equipment, your travel to Sorrento, and your food and drinks.

I've never raced before. Can I still join?

Yes, if you have solid sailing fundamentals. Robert will assign roles suited to your experience level and coach you through every maneuver. You must have a good understanding of sail trim and be comfortable aboard a boat in dynamic conditions.

What level of fitness do I need?

You should be able to handle physical work on deck for extended periods — grinding winches, hauling sails, moving quickly. You don't need to be an athlete, but basic fitness and endurance matter for the overnight offshore race.

Where do we stay and what about meals?

The crew lives aboard the boat in Sorrento marina. This is standard practice at regattas and part of the experience — you're steps from the boat at all times. Meals are typical shared crew expenses (kitty system) as per standard charter customs, except during the offshore race where provisioning is planned collectively.

What gear do I need to bring?

You will need standard offshore sailing gear (foul weather gear, sailing boots or non-marking shoes) and essential safety equipment (a life vest with harness). A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Can I combine this with the transfer passages?

Yes! We offer The Three Volcanoes Expedition (Pula → Naples, starting April 29th) and The Siren's Wake (Naples → Pula, starting May 15th) for those who want the full offshore experience.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancellation terms are in our Terms and Conditions. We recommend travel insurance that covers event cancellation.

Want More Than a Regatta?

Veruda Sailing School doesn't just offer participation in the race. We have prepared a comprehensive program for those who wish to make the most of this adventure

Split view showing the exterior of Pula Arena on the left and a view from a sailboat deck on the rightThe Three Volcanoes Expedition: Pula to Naples
For those seeking an expert offshore experience before the championship itself, we offer a 6-8 day passage from Pula to Naples (starting April 29th). This is a non-stop, immersive offshore masterclass designed to build your confidence for serious ocean sailing.


Split view showing an aerial cityscape of Napoli on the left and the illuminated sanctuary on a cliff in Tropea on the rightThe Siren's Wake: Naples to Pula Offshore & Cruise
Relax and explore after the championship! On this 9-11 day adventure cruise (starting May 15th) we trace the historic coast of Magna Graecia, blending 24-hour offshore pushes with frequent stops at the most beautiful, authentic harbors in Southern Italy.