In a Word / Logbook of ocean racing: Vendée Globe, Rallye des îles du Soleil, Sail GP...

© Adrien François

Here's a summary of the regattas and ocean races from March 1 to 7, 2025. On the program: a documentary on the Vendée Globe, Sail GP back in Saint-Tropez, changes within Team Banque Populaire and the consecration of Tom Dolan...

Cap pour Elles 2025: Aina Bauza and Caroline Boule, winners of the program with Engie

On the eve of International Women's Rights Day, the duo of Aina Bauza and Caroline Boule have been named winners of the third edition of Cap pour Elles, a program supported by Engie to encourage the feminization of ocean racing. Thanks to this tailor-made support, they will be taking the start of the 17th TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Le Havre Normandie, on October 26, in a Class 40.

Spain's Aina Bauza, a former Olympic sail racer, and France's Caroline Boule, a foiling and performance boat enthusiast, are embarking on intensive preparation under the guidance of Anne Combier, their team manager. With their ambition to train, learn and progress, they see this transatlantic race as a key step towards an even greater dream: to take part in the Vendée Globe in 2028 or 2032.

Committed and determined, the two sailors intend to share their adventure with as many people as possible, particularly on social networks. In November, they will even be making the return trip from Martinique with influencers, with the aim of inspiring a new generation of sailors and highlighting environmental issues in ocean racing.

© Georgia Schopfield
georgia Schopfield

A never-before-seen documentary to relive the Vendée Globe 2024

The official 52-minute documentary of the Vendée Globe 2024 is available from March 7, 2025 on the Vendée Globe YouTube channel and on its media server.

This edition of the solo round-the-world race, which set off on November 10, 2024, made history with moments of intense suspense, extreme challenges and moments of pure emotion. Through spectacular images and never-before-seen testimonials, this film plunges viewers into the heart of the event, revealing the reality of this extraordinary adventure.

The fierce duel between Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme, the revelation of Sébastien Simon, the merciless battle for fourth place, the successes, trials and disappointments of each skipper punctuate this captivating tale. The tenacity of Justine Mettraux, the emotion of Thomas Ruyant, the wisdom of Jean Le Cam and the resilience of Jingkun Xu illustrate the diversity of the routes taken and the strength of character of the sailors involved.

This documentary offers total immersion in the race, offering a unique look at this 10? edition of the Vendée Globe, between technical feats, surpassing oneself and absolute passion for sailing.

Marina Jandia (Fuerteventura): new starting port for the Rallye des Îles du Soleil 2025

The 7th edition of the Rallye des Îles du Soleil will set off for the first time from Marina Jandia, on the southernmost tip of Fuerteventura, on October 31, 2025. This choice marks a new stage for this flotilla transatlantic race linking the Canaries, Cape Verde and Marie-Galante (Guadeloupe).

This edition will enable participants to discover a unique Canary Island, with its clear sandy beaches, turquoise waters and authentic villages. The organization is backed by a strengthened partnership with Calero Marinas, manager of the new Marina Jandia, a modern port offering 310 berths and top-of-the-range services.

The fleet is due to gather on October 24 for preparations, before the start on October 31. After a stopover in Mindelo (Cape Verde), the boats will head for Marie-Galante (Guadeloupe), with an estimated arrival between November 24 and 29.

With a large group of major partners and the support of the French Sailing Federation, the Rallye des Îles du Soleil 2025 promises to be a voyage of discovery and sharing for all participants.

SailGP to return to Saint-Tropez in September 2025

SailGP has confirmed the return of the ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix to Saint-Tropez on September 12 and 13, 2025, marking the first step in a multi-year agreement between the competition, the Ville de Saint-Tropez and the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez.

This fourth edition in the Gulf of Tropez once again promises a high-speed spectacle, with the 12 national teams in search of precious points before the grand finale in Abu Dhabi. Quentin Delapierre and the French SailGP team will have the opportunity to shine in front of their home crowd, and will attempt to defend the speed record of 99.99 km/h set in Saint-Tropez in 2023.

The mayor of Saint-Tropez, Sylvie Siri, welcomed the return of the event, underlining the town's pride in hosting one of the most prestigious competitions in modern sailing. Tickets go on sale on April 3, 2025.

Change of course at the head of Team Banque Populaire

After 21 successful years, Ronan Lucas is leaving the management of Team Banque Populaire to take on new challenges . Under his leadership, the team has raised Banque de la Voile's colors high, winning the most prestigious races, from the Jules Verne Trophy to the Vendée Globe.

To ensure continuity, Erwan Steff takes over as team manager, accompanied by Sébastien Josse as sporting director. This complementary duo, firmly rooted in the team, will be tasked with continuing the winning momentum and writing a new chapter in the history of Team Banque Populaire.

With the Transat Café L'Or 2025 in its sights, the team remains focused on the future, ready to meet the challenges of ocean racing and add new titles to its impressive list of achievements.

Foiling Week Pensacola 2025: 19 champions crowned for a successful first edition

The first edition of Foiling Week Pensacola came to a close after seven days of spectacular racing, community events and festivities. Featuring the largest North American Waszp championship ever held, the event left a lasting impression and is already preparing for a return to the U.S. in 2026.

In the various categories, Riley Gibbs won the Moth event, while Micha De Weck was victorious in Waszp and Ravi Parent in A-Class Catamaran. On the wind sports side, Gwen La Tutour and Ava Segersten dominated the Wing Foil events, while Leif Given excelled in Kite Foil.

The event attracted a large audience, coinciding with Pensacola's Mardi Gras, offering the general public a unique immersion in the world of foiling. Beyond the races, the week was marked by eco-responsible initiatives, a Business Forum on the future of foiling and a Foiling Film Festival.

The next stage of Foiling Week will take place on Lake Garda, Italy, from June 22 to 29, 2025, with registration opening on March 5.

© Martina Orsini - WeAreFoiling Media
martina Orsini - WeAreFoiling Media

The 37th America's Cup in Barcelona generates a positive economic impact of 1.034 billion euros

The America's Cup 2024 in Barcelona made history with an economic impact of 1.034 billion euros for the city and region of Catalonia, according to a study carried out by the University of Barcelona and the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation.

The event, which ran from August 22 to October 19, 2024, attracted 1.8 million visitors, including 460,819 specifically for the competition. It created 12,872 jobs and generated 208.5 million euros in tax revenue. With a television audience of 954 million and a media exposure value of 1.367 billion euros, this edition became the most watched in America's Cup history.

The 2024 edition was also marked by a commitment to sustainable development, with 9 hydrogen-powered shadow boats eliminating 78,000 liters of fuel and reducing 181,531 kg of CO?.

Emirates Team New Zealand won its third consecutive title, sealing a historic edition of sailing's most prestigious competition.

© Ian Roman / America's Cup
ian Roman / America's Cup

SailGP and Aggreko extend partnership to 2027 for cleaner energy

SailGP and Aggreko, world leader in temporary energy solutions, announce the extension of their partnership for a further three seasons. Aggreko will remain the official temporary energy supplier to the Rolex SailGP Championship, reinforcing a shared commitment to more sustainable events.

Since 2021, this collaboration has enabled a 73% reduction in temporary energy-related emissions in a single season, contributing to SailGP's ISO 20121 certification. The first three events of the 2025 âeuro season in Dubai, Auckland and Sydney âeuros were powered 100% by clean shore power, marking a major step forward.

Through innovation and the use of biofuels and alternative energies, SailGP and Aggreko are pursuing their ambition to make all the championship's stages zero-emission events.

The season continues with the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix on March 15 and 16, 2025.

Tom Dolan, Irish Sailor of the Year 2024 sets course for Vendée Globe 2028

Skipper Tom Dolan has been crowned Irish Sailor of the Year 2024 at the Irish Sailing Awards in Dublin, a distinction he wins for the second time after his first accolade in 2020. The title recognizes his historic victory in the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2024, making him the first Irishman to win this iconic race.

On the strength of this recognition, Tom Dolan has announced an ambitious project: to take part in the Vendée Globe 2028, with the aim of becoming the first Irish sailor to complete this solo, non-stop round-the-world race. Supported by Kingspan, his main sponsor, he will start the 2025 Figaro 3 season with the Solo Guy Cotten in March. A call for partners has gone out to make his Vendée Globe dream a reality, and bring Irish sailing to the international stage.

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