COGS The Cornwall Offshore Group Series 2025

All races are run with a fleet for IRC boats and another for boats with a YTC handicap. IRC is a more technical rating system usually preferred by the “designed-to-race” boats, whilst YTC, designed for cruisers and cruiser-racers, is simpler and free of cost. Within these two fleets, boats also have the choice of entering either fully-crewed or two-handed, with separate scoring and prizes for each group.

The Offshore series can take you around the Eddystone lighthouse, cross-channel to Roscoff or L’Aber Wrac’h, on a tour of the principal SW lighthouses (The Trinity) or on the PASAB race out to the Scillies, round the islands and back. This year we have added a new race to Salcombe. All of these races include a night-time element.

The Coastal series is made up four passage races along the Cornish coast between ports from Plymouth to Penzance, and two long circular races. Depending upon conditions, these races are perhaps less demanding than the offshore races, and appeal to a wide range of cruiser-racers typically from 25 to 40ft alongside the more dedicated racers. COGS is “proper” racing conducted in good spirit and crews thoroughly enjoy the hospitality of ports and yacht clubs along with their racing. The social aspect plays a big part in the enjoyment of COGS..

Recognising the time pressures that may limit participation in the longer races, last year we introduced a new Bay series within the Falmouth/Dodman area, which we have modified slightly for 2025. These races start between Pendennis Point and Black Rock (in the entrance to Carrick Roads) and finish off Flushing Sailing Club and so, for our mainly Falmouth area based boats, eliminate the need to position for the start, or return home from the finish.

COGS is unusual in that it doesn’t run it’s own races. Each race in the calendar is run by a different yacht club which gives each event it’s own distinctive flavour. We’re very lucky to have the support of many excellent clubs who give their time and facilities to enable our racing. Our grateful thanks are due to these clubs and also to our race sponsors.

COGS is suitable for those who have never raced before (and we can certainly help skippers and crew of all ages to “get-going”) as well as racers of any experience, from novices to national champions.