The Royal Ocean Racing Club has named James Neville’s Botin 52 Ino Veritas and Karl Kwok’s Botin 41 Beau Ideal as their two-boat team for the 2027 Admiral’s Cup.
Both owners have been RORC members for more than 30 years and both competed separately in the 2025 revival of the Admiral’s Cup. Neville raced Ino Noir for the RORC, while Kwok’s Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club team finished runner-up.
For Neville the Admiral’s Cup has particular significance. As RORC Commodore from 2021-2023 he was instrumental in its revival in 2025 after a 22-year hiatus. Two years on, Neville returns with a new campaign centred on the Botin 52 Ino Veritas and a significantly expanded programme of preparation.
Neville is clear that the two campaigns will operate not simply as separate boats carrying the same burgee. “It is an equal partnership,” said Neville. “The important word is team. We are a team with two boats and two crews, and we are very proud to be representing the Royal Ocean Racing Club.”
Kwok’s return to the Admiral’s Cup is driven in part by what he describes as “unfinished business” after his team challenged strongly in 2025 before ultimately finishing runner-up to the Yacht Club de Monaco team who is widely tipped to defend their title in 2027.
Beau Ideal project manager Gavin Brady believes the partnership will allow both programmes to concentrate their resources while sharing the extensive knowledge within each team.
With two experienced owners, two highly developed Botin designs and a wealth of international sailing talent within both programmes, the RORC Team will now begin an intensive build-up towards next Admiral’s Cup, which returns to the Solent in July 2027.
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