What is JOG

The Junior Offshore Group is a club that organises offshore races for IRC yachts racing from the Solent. JOG races are typically intended to be completed in a weekend, including any return voyage. We also run an Inshore series of races which consist of races round marks in or near the Solent, again ending in a nearby port.

As you will see from our History - we cater mainly for smaller yachts, although in the last 16 years we have expanded our fleet to allow for yachts of any size. JOG is run by its members with a professional secretariat. We have at times been asked to organise races for other clubs and organisations. At the same time we do not have the expense of running a permanent clubhouse, allowing us to keep membership fees very low compared to other clubs.

JOG is lucky in having its start line at Egypt Point, Cowes, allowing us to offer low cost racing and avoiding conflicts with other local clubs. JOG racing is and always has been 'Corinthian', in that we do not permit advertising or sponsorship for individual yachts. What we do have is a policy of offering companies and organisations the opportunity to sponsor a race or series of races where the club and competitors can help the sponsor with their marketing objectives. In the past we have had many different sponsors and for 2010 we are happy to be associated with the Blenheim Fiduciary Group, Document Technology Ltd, Hamble Estate Agency, Northface Connections, R S Divers and the support of Vodafone Ltd.

JOG is extremely friendly, encouraging new entrants to the sport with hospitality and advice. One of the reasons our races have maintained their popularity is our policy of racing to a Channel Port in time to allow crews to meet and converse over a glass of wine or beer before returning. In many cases there will be a designated 'watering hole' included in the Sailing Instructions.

Last year saw over 150 different yachts enter and complete our races. If you have been thinking of starting yacht racing, either Inshore or Offshore, contact us to see how we can make your racing both fun and exciting!