RORC was founded to encourage long distance yacht racing and the design, building and navigation of sailing vessels in which speed and seaworthiness are combined.

[1] In co-operation with the offshore racing department of the Yacht Club de France, RORC is responsible for the International Rating Certificate (IRC), the principal international handicap system for yacht racing.

In addition, it holds inshore racing within the Solent, primarily the Easter Regatta and IRC Nationals.

The following pinnacle events are also run by the RORC: More recently it has helped establish international races away from the United Kingdom with the assistance of local clubs: The club has traditionally been based in St James's Place in Mayfair London.

In 2014 the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club of Cowes merged with RORC giving the RORC a more visible presence in Cowes where the majority of its Offshore Races start on the line of the Royal Yacht Squadron.