The RCC Trophy is a perpetual trophy, generously given by the Royal Cruising Club to the Cruising Club of America on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary in 1997. The Governing Board voted in late 1997 to award the RCC Trophy annually according to the following terms:

The Royal Cruising Club Trophy is awarded to a CCA member and skipper who has undertaken the most interesting cruise of singular merit and moderate duration.

In voting the language above, the Committee and the Board expressed the hope that a substantial number of members would be realistic candidates for the award and, as such, would make every effort to submit reports of their cruises to CCA publications for the enjoyment of the entire club.