The Transat Jacques Vabre, the iconic double-handed transatlantic race, is adopting a new name for its 2025 edition: Transat Café L'OR Le Havre Normandie. Despite this name change, the competition retains its original structure, offering four courses adapted to the ULTIM, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA and Class40 classes. The start is set for october 26, 2025 from Le Havre, with an expected arrival in Martinique.
Four staggered departures for better visibility
On October 26, 2025, the ULTIM, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA and Class40 classes will set off successively from Le Havre, with a 15-minute interval between each start. The aim is to provide better visibility for spectators along the coast and for television viewers, while guaranteeing optimum safety for the skippers. The staggered starts will also allow each class to shine its own spotlight.
Separate routes for each class
In order to encourage grouped arrivals in Martinique, each class will follow a specific route:
- ULTIM the maxi-trimarans will cover around 6âeuros¯200 nautical miles, passing the waypoint "Ascension" in the southern hemisphere before heading up towards Martinique.
- Ocean Fifty the 50-foot multihulls will cover around 4âeuros¯600 nautical miles, rounding the île de Sal in Cape Verde, then taking advantage of the trade winds to head for the West Indies.
- IMOCA : The 60-foot monohulls will sail a 4âeuros¯350 nautical mile course, taking them to the Canaries before choosing between a northerly route, close to the lows, or a southerly route, towards the trade winds.
- Class40 the 40-foot sailboats will cover a 3â?¬750 nautical mile course, passing to the west of the Azores archipelago, before crossing the Atlantic to Martinique.
Stronger commitment to environmental responsibility
Aware of environmental issues, the Transat Café L'OR Le Havre Normandie is implementing several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. Boats must be returned under sail the press conference will be held in Le Havre. The press conference presenting the skippers will take place in Le Havre, to limit travel. Public relations operations in motorboats will be limited on the day of the start, with an alternative offered ashore in the company of sailors and local players. A partnership with IFREMER has also been established to ensure that the race is part of an approach that respects the ocean and its biodiversity.
