Advanced Offshore Regatta

The Pinnacle Of Racing: ORC World Championship 2026

Sail on the world stage where precision meets passion!

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.

Two 5-star Google Maps reviews of Veruda Sailing School sailing course from its students. 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. This wasn't just a regatta; it was a life-changing expedition. See for yourself what our 2025 alumni had to say about their journey:

The school also boasts numerous regatta victories (1st place in group in prestigious Argonaut cup, in 2023. & 2024.), including successes in offshore races (1st place in group in Pesaro-Pula in 2024.), among others, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to excellence in competitive sailing.

Your instructor will provide unparalleled hands-on experience and a wealth of tactical and practical knowledge to guide you through the demanding conditions of the course.

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.

What to Expect:

  • Crew & Vessel Readiness: Comprehensive preparation of crew and vessel for optimal regatta performance.
  • Racing Regulations Mastery: In-depth understanding and application of the Racing Rules of Sailing and regatta event rules modifiers.
  • Start & Event Tactics: Effective strategies for race starts and optimizing performance throughout the regatta.
  • Sail & Rig Optimization: Expert techniques for trimming sails and masts to maximize speed and efficiency.
  • Spinnaker & gennaker: Characteristics, preparation, hoisting and lowering techniques, maneuvering, maximizing speed.
  • Regatta Psychology: Maintaining focus and team cohesion over a high-stress, multi-day competition.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic Sailing Skills: You should be comfortable with basic sailing maneuvers, terminology, and have some experience handling a sailboat.
  • Knowledge: Solid understanding of sail trim and deck work.
  • World Sailing ID: All crew members must have a valid World Sailing ID (WSID). If you don't have one yet, don't worry – it is free and easily obtained by creating a profile online at sailing.org.
  • International Crew: While we compete under the Croatian flag, our team is global. We welcome sailors of any nationality to join the crew.
  • Dependability and Responsiveness: Be prepared to perform roles and assignments as they are designated by the skipper, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to teamwork.
  • Team Spirit: A positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team are crucial for a successful offshore experience.
  • Resilience and Enthusiasm: A sense of humor and an open mind are vital. You should possess a genuine love for sailing that endures even when conditions get wet or challenging.

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.
Check-in: Sorrento, 05.05.2026. (afternoon)
Check-out: Sorrento, 14.05.2026. (evening)

Duration: 10 days *

Places Total: 4

Cost/Person: 777 € **


* 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.).

Ready for an adventure?

Don't miss out on the opportunity and secure your place in the course today!

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.

For general information about our advanced courses, the boat and the skipper: