In a Word / Logbook of ocean racing: Solitaire du Figaro, Transat Café l'Or, America's Cup...

© Vincent Olivaud / OC Sport Pen Duick

Here's a summary of the regattas and offshore races for the week of May 10 to 16, 2025. On the program, races that are being unveiled, new ocean racing projects, victories and even fleets that are improving...

Holcim-PRB teams up with Hatch Systems to study the impact of ocean racing on sailors

Team Holcim-PRB launches a groundbreaking partnership with Hatch Systems, Inc. to analyze the physiological and psychological effects of ocean racing on skippers. In the run-up to The Ocean Race Europe 2025, the team led by Rosalin Kuiper will conduct an in-depth study using on-board sensors to measure sleep, stress, heart rate and body temperature. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the extreme constraints of ocean racing, and to optimize performance while protecting sailors' health. A pioneering approach at the crossroads of top-level sport and scientific research.

Fabrice Amedeo relaunches his IMOCA FDJ âeuros United âeuros Wewise and launches his 2025 season

After completing his second Vendée Globe this winter, Fabrice Amedeo relaunched his IMOCA, now christened FDJ âeuros United âeuros Wewise, on May 15. The boat, back in good condition, has benefited from a refit before a busy 2025 season, marked by the Course des Caps at the end of June, the Défi Azimut in September and the Transat Café L'Or in November. Committed to an ocean free of fossil fuels and in the service of science, the sailor-journalist is embarking on a new cycle combining performance, ecological transition and transmission, as he awaits a future change of mount for the Vendée Globe 2028.

© Team Fabrice Amedeo
team Fabrice Amedeo

A 56th edition of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec under the sign of exigency and novelty

From August 30 to September 27, 2025, the 56th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec will feature an unprecedented 1850-mile course, between Rouen, Morlaix Bay, Vigo and an exceptional finish at Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in the Cotentin region. With the return of the legendary Fastnet Rock and long, tactical legs, this edition promises to be a formidable one for the solo sailors. Historic ports and new ports of call will punctuate this emblematic event, which combines sporting excellence, territorial commitment and human adventure. A high-flying challenge in which the best talents in ocean racing will write a new page of legend.

Transat Café L'Or unveils poster for 17th edition

The Transat Café L'Or Le Havre Normandie unveils the official poster for its 17th edition, marking a new visual identity with a new logo and vibrant colors. The visual features the skyline of Le Havre, the lush shores of Martinique and the four classes of boats expected at the start on October 26, 2025. This transatlantic duo race, as demanding as ever, links Europe to the coffee lands in a spirit of performance, adventure and environmental commitment. A foretaste of the great show to come on the Atlantic.

Naples to host the 38th America's Cup in 2027

It's official: Naples will be the host city for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup, to be held in the spring and summer of 2027. A historic first for Italy, whose passion for this prestigious competition is well known. Under the aegis of Team New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the event will take place in the sumptuous setting of the Gulf of Naples, between Castel dell'Ovo and Posillipo, with the teams' bases set up in Bagnoli. This strategic choice also aims to accelerate the urban regeneration of the area. The Italian city is thus poised to become the stage for a global nautical spectacle combining tradition, innovation and popular fervor.

French Rowing Federation chooses Craft as new official equipment supplier

The French Rowing Federation announces a partnership with Swedish brand Craft, which becomes the official equipment supplier of the French rowing and para-rowing teams for the next four seasons. Renowned for its expertise in endurance sports, Craft will supply training and competition outfits from 2025 onwards. Selected following a rigorous call for tenders, the brand is committed to developing high-performance equipment tailored to the specific needs of French rowers, in close collaboration with athletes and coaches.

Les Déferlantes, the first 100% women's ocean racing team

Led by skipper Sasha Lanièce, the Les Déferlantes stable has just been created, with a strong mission: to prove that women have their place in ocean racing, by daring the most ambitious challenges. This committed project, focused on training and transmission, is also aimed at future generations of women sailors. Sasha will take the start of the Armen Race in Class40 on May 29 in La Trinité-sur-Mer, alongside her co-skipper, while a young recruit will set off in the Mini 6.50.

Transat Paprec 2024: a breathtaking and unforgettable race

Suspense, emotion and revelations: the 17th edition of the Transat Paprec lived up to all its promises. Charlotte Yven and Hugo Dhallenne (Skipper Macif) won a demanding and tight race, marked by a breathtaking finish where the top 14 crossed the line in less than 6 hours after 18 days at sea. Saint-Barthélemy native Cindy Brin took a magnificent 3rd place to great acclaim. Between the performances of the favorites, the rise of the young talents and the apprenticeship of the newcomers, this double-handed transatlantic race is more than ever a springboard to the top level.

© Vincent Olivaud / OC Sport Pen Duick
vincent Olivaud / OC Sport Pen Duick

Francesca Clapcich joins Team Malizia for The Ocean Race Europe

Italian-American sailor Francesca Clapcich joins Team Malizia as co-skipper for The Ocean Race Europe 2025, which she will contest on four of the six legs between Kiel and Montenegro. This will be an opportunity for her to sail aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer, the IMOCA boat she will take possession of in October with the support of 11th Hour Racing, with a view to her campaign for the Vendée Globe 2028. Committed, experienced and already victorious in The Ocean Race, Clapcich will be part of an international crew led by Boris Herrmann, in an intense format combining performance, tactics and environmental commitment.

 © Eloi Stichelbaut / Team Malizia
eloi Stichelbaut / Team Malizia

Beach rowing and sea rowing: the favourites at Aix-les-Bains

The French beach rowing sprint and sea rowing championships put on a top-class show on Lac du Bourget in Aix-les-Bains. Hélène Lefebvre and Mathis Nottelet confirmed their status by winning the senior solo titles, while Chloé Briard and Charlélie Rubio shone in the mixed doubles. In the youth category, Lisa Van Cotthem and Gustave Philippe were also crowned champions. The competition concluded with the enduro events, which brought together over 400 boats in a summery atmosphere, confirming the dynamism of French sea rowing in the run-up to the 2028 Olympic Games.

The 12h Banque Populaire Grand Ouest: a new summer regatta in La Baule

From June 20 to 22, 2025, the Bay of Le Pouliguen will host the first edition of the 12h Banque Populaire Grand Ouest, an endurance event in sport catamarans bringing together amateurs and professionals. Sponsored by Armel Le Cléac'h, the regatta will take place over 12 hours on June 21, at the heart of a festive weekend of entertainment, free concerts and sailing initiation. Organized by Ultim Sailing with the support of the town of La Baule, the event aims to become an essential fixture on the Western sailing calendar.

The Sodebo E-Skipper Academy returns for a 3rd virtual and committed season

Sodebo and Virtual Regatta are relaunching the E-Skipper Academy for a third edition, with an official role as virtual representative of Team Sodebo in the Transat Café L'Or 2025. Starting on May 21, candidates will take part in a qualifying race between Lorient and Martinique on Virtual Regatta Offshore. The top 200 will advance to the final phase, combining performance, personality and a spirit of sharing. The winner will sail aboard the Sodebo Ultim 3 before taking part in the virtual transatlantic race in the team's colors. A unique bridge between the real and digital worlds.

SailGP: F50 fleet strengthened ahead of New York leg

A few weeks ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix (June 7-8, 2025), SailGP has confirmed a series of major upgrades to the 12 F50 catamarans. The replacement of the main wing element, subjected to heavy loads, follows a problem detected in certain internal structures. These improvements are designed to guarantee fair performance and optimum safety, while respecting the one-design principle. A vast worksite is mobilizing the technical teams between Florida and the UK, to ensure that the fleet is ready to resume racing on the Hudson River.

Total success for the 10th Fun Cup at Les Glénans

From May 9 to 11, the island of Bananec vibrated to the rhythm of foiling at the 10th edition of the Fun Cup. Organized by the Glénans sailing school, the event brought together some forty Wingfoil and Windfoil enthusiasts in a spirit of fun and conviviality. Under a warm spring sun, this anniversary edition confirmed the success of what is now a not-to-be-missed event for foil water sports enthusiasts.

The Vendée Globe celebrated in style in Les Sables d'Olonne

On May 10, Les Sables d'Olonne was alive with emotion as it saluted the heroes of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025. Nearly 70 boats took part in a grandiose parade through the channel, despite the pouring rain. The skippers, who received a standing ovation from thousands of spectators, were honored during a highly symbolic trophy ceremony. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that set the bay ablaze. A powerful tribute to the spirit of the Vendée Globe, celebrating passion, courage and surpassing oneself.

© Olivier Blanchet / Alea #VG2024
olivier Blanchet / Alea #VG2024

Banque Populaire XI triumphs in the Tour de Belle-Île 2025

Nearly 300 sailboats set off on the Tour de Belle-Île 2025 on May 10 in ideal conditions. For this 13th edition, amateurs and professionals competed on two courses around Belle-Île-en-Mer. The maxi-trimaran Banque Populaire XI, skippered by Armel Le Cléac'h, won the Grand Tour, completing the 42-mile course in record time. The event was both festive and sporting, in keeping with the spirit of a regatta open to all.

© Qaptur - BPCE
qaptur - BPCE
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