Rolex Fastnet Race 2025: the winners return for a centenary edition
The Rolex Fastnet Race 2025 promises to be an exceptional centenary event. To mark the event, the Admiral's Cup is making a comeback, attracting the world's best crews. Among them are winners of previous editions, such as Niklas Zennström ( Rán 2 ), Alexis Loison and Géry Trentesaux, will be back at the start on July 26.
With over 400 boats expected, the race will offer a demanding course to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. The difficult conditions and the many classes represented will ensure a captivating spectacle for professional and amateur sailors alike.
Anne-Claire Le Berre takes the helm of UpWind by MerConcept
Anne-Claire Le Berre becomes the new skipper of UpWind by MerConcept for the 2025 season. This project, supported by MerConcept and 11th Hour Racing, aims to promote diversity in ocean racing. An experienced sailor, Anne-Claire succeeds Francesca Clapcich, who remains with the team as ambassador. The UpWind trimaran, currently undergoing optimization, will start its season in May in the Ocean Fifty Series, and will take part in flagship races such as the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Transat Café L'OR.
FFVoile and Engie strengthen their commitment to eco-responsible sailing
A partner of the French Sailing Federation since 2017, Engie is extending its commitment until 2026 by becoming an Official Partner. This partnership will support programs to raise young people's awareness of environmental issues and marine biodiversity. Engie will support clubs and events in their eco-responsible initiatives, notably via the 15 commitments charter. This collaboration places the preservation of nature at the heart of its actions, in line with the federation's objectives.
IMOCA Les P'tits Doudous: first successful fusion of recycled medical titanium
THE IMOCA Les P'tits Doudous armel Tripon's future boat for the Vendée Globe 2028, will incorporate fittings made from recycled medical titanium. On February 5, the first titanium ingot was created from nails and screws collected by nurses in operating theatres, thanks to support from IRT M2P. This monohull, a symbol of the circular economy, will be the first to be built from reused carbon and recycled titanium, embodying a unique ecological commitment in ocean racing.
Transat Café L'OR 2025: 4 starts, 4 courses, 4 winning duos
October 26, transat Café L'OR Le Havre Normandie (formerly Transat Jacques Vabre) will set off with a unique format: four staggered starts every 15 minutes for ULTIM, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA and Class40 boats. Each class will follow a specific course for a grouped finish in Martinique scheduled between November 5 and 7. A major new feature of the event is that the return journey by cargo ship will be eliminated, and boats will have to sail home to reduce the event's carbon footprint.
Sam Davies and Violette Dorange, a shared adventure on Initiatives-C?ur
Sam Davies and Violette Dorange write a new chapter in Vendée Glob history e. Violette, who met Sam at the age of 7 on the pontoons of Les Sables-d'Olonne, is realizing a dream by becoming co-skipper of Initiatives-C?ur alongside her idol. Together, they combine sporting performance with a commitment to solidarity. This duo promises a season rich in challenges, symbolizing the very essence of the Vendée Globe: a human adventure where childhood dreams become reality.
Globe 580 Transat 2025: Swiss victory and speed record for an epic crossing
The Globe 580 Transat 2025 lived up to all its promises! Renaud Stitelmann, aboard Capucinette won this Atlantic crossing in 22 days and 5 hours, at an average speed of 5.62 knots. This edition offered intense conditions, with strong winds, thrilling rivalries and technical challenges. Twelve sailors, on 5.80 m wooden yachts, braved the elements from Lanzarote to Antigua. Next stop: the McIntyre Mini Globe Race, an unprecedented solo round-the-world race, starting February 23.
Stéphane Gazlin wins his 3rd French eSailing Championship title
On Saturday February 8, Stéphane Gazlin (alias valentinelisa) claimed his 3rd French eSailing Champion title at the 6th edition organized by the French Sailing Federation. Already crowned in 2019 and 2020, he won after 11 hard-fought races, ahead of Olivier Coeuret and Tristan Peron, 2023 European and World Champion.
The competition took place at the FFVoile headquarters, where the top 10 French players had qualified after several elimination phases. With a very high-level field, the final offered a real spectacle of intensity and strategy, concluding almost two hours of virtual regattas.
SailGP, the French team returns to Sydney for the 3rd event of the season
After a delayed start to the season due to the unavailability of its F50, the French team is back on the Rolex SailGP circuit in Sydney. Quentin Delapierre and his team-mates, motivated by the lessons learned at the Dubai and Auckland Grand Prix, are preparing to take up the challenge against a field of 11 F50s equipped with the new T-shaped foils.
The French F50, fresh from the yard, took to the sea for its first day of training in rough conditions. Despite the short preparation time, the team was satisfied with its first sensations aboard the new boat, which goes even faster with its new appendage shape. This comeback is marked by several changes within the team. Philippe Mourniac joins the staff as head coach, while Camille Lecointre takes on the role of tactician alongside Manon Audinet. Enzo Balanger, a promising young talent, also joins the team in training.
Labelled "Équipe de France" by the French Sailing Federation, the team is benefiting from increased support for this season. This label underlines the excellence and potential of the athletes involved in this spectacular championship, where they will be flying the flag for France.
The team put in a fine performance at the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, despite the tight schedule. Delivered just two days before the competition, their new F50 was quickly put to the test against the eleven other international teams. After a promising start, Les Bleus finished 6th in the Grand Prix, tied on points with Canada. Victory went to Dylan Fletcher's Emirates GBR team, while the Canadians and Australians completed the podium. At the end of this third Grand Prix of the season, the French are in 7th place overall. Their next appointment is in Los Angeles on March 15 and 16, where they will be aiming to qualify for the final and continue their progress.
