CIC Normandy Channel Race 2025: a record turnout for a highly anticipated event
The 16th edition of the CIC Normandy Channel Race will set off from Ouistreham Bay on May 25, 2025, returning to its springtime schedule. This classic of the Class40 circuit, raced double-handed over a 1,000-nautical-mile course through the English Channel, the Celtic Sea and the Channel Islands, boasts a record 32 boats entered. Among the favorites are the tandems Delahaye/Schwartz (LEGALLAIS), Lipinski/Carpentier (Crédit Mutuel), and Le Gallais/Desjoyeaux (Trim Control). The race village in Caen will be open from May 23 to 25. An edition that promises to be intense, strategic and festive, living up to the reputation of this not-to-be-missed event.
PAPREC 600 Saint-Tropez: breathless duel in the Mediterranean, arrivals imminent
Setting out from Saint-Tropez on May 19, the competitors in the PAPREC 600 Saint-Tropez completed their 600-mile non-stop loop through Corsica and the Italian islands. After two stormy nights of breeze, wind and a series of retirements âeuros including Daguet 5, Glace Romane and Maiia âeuros the fleet tackled a final stretch under a strong mistral wind, making the arrival in Saint-Tropez particularly demanding.
In the lead, Mikael Mergui and Richard Robini's CENTRAKOR leads a fierce battle against CHENAPAN IV (Gilles Caminade) and the Italian Class40s MACCAFERRI FUTURA, LUCENTE AQUILIA and PHENIX HA PLUS PME. The race committee is preparing to welcome the first boats between the night of May 22 and 23, 2025. With a strong line-up of Class40, IRC solo, duo and crewed boats, the PAPREC 600 is set to become an essential Mediterranean classic.
The Ocean Race Europe: Paprec Arkéa embarks on a sporting and human challenge
Eight months after his 2nd place in the Vendée Globe, Yoann Richomme will start The Ocean Race Europe on August 10, 2025 at the helm of the IMOCA Paprec Arkéa. Surrounded by a mixed and experienced crew âeuros Corentin Horeau, Pascal Bidégorry, Mariana Lobato, Gautier Levisse, Louis Dubois and mediaman Julien Champolion âeuros he will set off on a round Europe race with stopovers between Kiel and Boka Bay. An intense sporting challenge and a collective adventure rich in sharing, carried by the collective values of transmission and environmental commitment, dear to Paprec and Crédit Mutuel Arkéa.
Mini en Mai 2025: Benoît Marie and Amaury Guérin win an intense duel
After 460 miles of breathless racing, Benoît Marie (Proto 1067 - Nicomatic Petit Bateau ) won the Mini en Mai 2025 in 3 days, 3 hours and 32 minutes, after a spectacular head-to-head with Alexandre Demange (1048). In the Serie category, title-holder Amaury Guérin (996 - Satov Group ) who once again came out on top, dominating the race from start to finish. Between duels on sight, tactical errors made up for, unpredictable squalls and Risso's runners-up, this 12th edition confirms the rising general level of the Mini 6.50 circuit.
Launch of Mediterranean Records in Villefranche-sur-Mer
On May 24 and 25, the Mediterranean hosts a first-of-its-kind event: the launch of Mediterranean Records, an inclusive, connected sailing competition dreamed up by naval architect Thomas Tison. Inspired by the Strava app, this race with no formal organization invites all high-performance sailboats to compete on free courses converging on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The majestic Mariska, a 24-meter classic sailboat, will inaugurate the event. This initiative goes hand in hand with the opening of an innovative shipyard in Villefranche-sur-Mer, and is part of an initiative undertaken alongside Help Save the Med. A new lease of life for sailing in the Mediterranean.
Rowing: the French team ready for Europe 2025 in Plovdiv
Nine months after the Paris 2024 Games, the elite of European rowing will gather in Plovdiv (Bulgaria) from May 25 to 27 for the 2025 European Championships, the first major event in the cycle towards Los Angeles 2028. The French squad, led by Théophile Onfroy, Claire Bové, Hugo Boucheron and Emma Lunatti, is aiming to shine against 33 nations and 550 registered athletes. A first post-Olympic confrontation is expected before the World Cup in Lucerne and the World Championships in Shanghai.
McIntyre Mini Globe Race: 10,000 miles to Tonga!
After 10,000 single-handed miles on 5.80 m yachts, the skippers of the McIntyre Mini Globe Race continue their epic journey across the South Pacific. Renaud Stitelmann leads the fleet, now en route to Tonga, before a stopover in Fiji to mark the end of Leg 2. Storms at 60 knots, encounters with sharks, improvised barbecues and breakdowns of all kinds punctuate this extreme adventure between precision navigation and survival. In a spirit of mutual support, this unique round-the-world race pays homage to the pioneers of offshore sailing, and proves that the ocean dream, even in a mini-boat, is more alive than ever.
Cape Horn Hall of Fame 2025: nominations open until May 30
The Cape Horn Hall of Fame will welcome a new class to Portsmouth in November 2025, and nominations are open to the public until May 30. Organized by the International Association of Cape Horners (IACH), the event rewards sailors who have left their mark on the history of sailing around the mythical Cape Horn, whether solo or with a crew. The committee, chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and including such luminaries as Jean-Luc Van Den Heede and Dee Caffari, will select six new inductees. Sailing enthusiasts, it's up to you to nominate your heroes!
Sam Goodchild replaces Charlie Dalin for the Course des Caps aboard MACIF Santé Prévoyance
Forced to abandon the Course des Caps for health reasons, Charlie Dalin hands over the helm of the IMOCA MACIF Santé Prévoyance to Briton Sam Goodchild. Accompanied by Loïs Berrehar, Charlotte Yven, Guillaume Combescure and mediaman Guillaume Gatefait, Goodchild will start this new race around the British Isles on June 29 in Boulogne-sur-Mer. A solid, experienced crew to aim for victory in this first edition, while the whole of Team Macif reaffirms its support for Charlie Dalin during his convalescence.
Corentin Horeau new MACSF skipper for Vendée Globe 2028
MACSF continues its commitment to sailing and announces a new Vendée Globe project with Corentin Horeau as official skipper. For the occasion, the mutual insurer has acquired a top-class IMOCA boat: Paprec Arkéa, 2nd in the last Vendée Globe. Horeau, one of ocean racing's most promising talents, will begin his 2025 campaign as co-skipper to Yoann Richomme, before taking on the MACSF colors in 2026. An ambitious new chapter for the Breton sailor and a technical team led by Alain Gautier, a loyal partner in the project. The goal: to shine in 2028 in the legendary solo round-the-world race.
A beautiful regatta under the sun for the Star series
16 boats, 8 races, light airs but glorious sunshine: conditions were ideal for this friendly Star series meeting. The duo Jean-Gabriel Charton & Louis Enjalbert (Nice) won brilliantly ahead of Émile Mercier & Gilles Berenger (Annecy) and Quentin Chavy & Michel Dreyfus (Annecy). The race committee, chaired by Olivier de Turckheim, and the jury, headed by Patrick Chapelle, were praised for the quality of their organization. An edition marked by the exemplary discipline of the crews and the timeless elegance of the series.
Erwan Jauffroy named "Sailor of the Year" at the Foiling Awards 2025
Erwan Jauffroy was crowned "Male Sailor of the Year" at the Foiling Awards 2025 in Genoa. Thanks to his unprecedented Toulon-Calvi crossing on a foil without sail or engine, he won over the public and beat out world stars such as Charlie Dalin and Chris McDonald. The jury also awarded him the prestigious Forlanini Award for the best performance in all categories. An accolade for this gliding enthusiast and former windsurfing champion, who embodies audacity, innovation and self-improvement. Next challenge for the tireless waterman: to push back the limits of what's possible... on a foil.
Class40: a model of carbon sobriety in ocean racing
Determined to limit its environmental impact, Class40 has just published its first carbon footprint revealing promising results. In 2023, its 50 boats generated 1,899 tonnes of CO?, equivalent to the annual emissions of 200 French people. A remarkable performance for a class that accounted for 46% of the fleet in the last Transat Jacques Vabre, while producing just 9.9% of total emissions. Thanks to its carefully thought-out construction, the reduction of cargo returns and the valorization of older boats, the Class40 is a model of sustainability and an attractive option for partners concerned about their environmental footprint.
Antoine Albeau Series back on the Ile de Ré with a new dimension
From August 29 to 31, 2025, the Antoine Albeau Series returns to La Couarde-sur-Mer (Île de Ré), with a new status: official stage of the French Long Distance Windsurfing and Windfoiling Championships. Open to pros and amateurs alike, the event co-organized by the legendary Antoine Albeau will welcome up to 100 riders. New this year: the event will also count towards the Wing Cup 17, with joint starts for all disciplines. Conviviality ashore, spectacle on the water and prize money to attract the best: a must-attend event for surfing enthusiasts.
Francesca Clapcich chooses Will Harris as co-skipper for Transat Café L'Or 2025
Italian-American yachtswoman Francesca Clapcich has announced that Briton Will Harris will be her co-skipper for her very first double-handed IMOCA race, the Transat Café L'Or, between Le Havre and Martinique in October 2025. Aboard his new IMOCA 11th Hour Racing (former Malizia-Seaexplorer ), this experienced duo will be aiming for performance and qualification points for the Vendée Globe 2028. This choice is in line with the ambitious dynamic of the new Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing, which places as much emphasis on competition as on environmental and social commitments.
SailGP launches Uncharted an immersive, behind-the-scenes documentary series
SailGP unveils Uncharted its very first premium documentary series, broadcast in June. Focusing on skipper Jimmy Spithill, the series of three 30-minute episodes explores what goes on behind the scenes of competition and the transformation of the world of top-level sailing. Through exclusive footage and rare testimonials âeuros including an interview with Larry Ellison, co-founder of SailGP âeuros Uncharted traces the creation of a team, the human challenges and the quest for excellence in one of the most spectacular championships on the planet. Available via FOX Sports, Canal+, Paramount+ and SailGP's YouTube channel, this series aims to break the codes of traditional sailing and appeal to an audience far beyond the initiated.
47 yacht clubs in Western France equipped thanks to Banque Populaire
Banque Populaire Grand Ouest is stepping up its support for water sports in 2025 with ?41,700 in co-financing for 47 coastal sailing clubs. This partnership with the Ligues de Bretagne, Pays de la Loire and Comité de la Manche will enable the acquisition of high-performance equipment (wings, life jackets, wetsuits, buoys, etc.) at lower cost. Since 2008, the regional bank has been working alongside clubs to promote safe, sustainable and accessible sailing. The scheme, which has also been extended to surfing, supports the growing popularity of water sports throughout the Grand Ouest region.
Banque Populaire 14: an IMOCA born of cooperation and innovation
Banque Populaire unveils its future IMOCA, the 14th in its history, designed in collaboration with the TR Racing (Thomas Ruyant) and Malizia (Boris Herrmann) teams. A first in the IMOCA class, three teams are pooling their design, tools and skills, under the leadership of architect Antoine Koch and the Finot Conq firm, for a triple eco-responsible, high-performance project. The boat, intended for Loïs Berrehar for the Vendée Globe 2028/2029, will be launched in early 2027. Designed for single-handed, upwind performance, Banque Populaire 14 promises robustness, ergonomics and technical innovations, while limiting its carbon footprint.
Arrival of La Loévie in Lorient: a committed crossing
This Sunday, May 18, La Loévie skippered by Jean-Pierre Dick, completed the Pure Ocean Challenge between Bermuda and Lorient in 13 days, 43 minutes and 33 seconds. Despite unfavorable weather conditions preventing them from beating the 2023 record, the Swan 76 set a first reference time on this course. The Franco-Belgian crew sailed with a dual objective: to pass on the experience of the open sea and to raise awareness of ocean protection, as part of the Pure Ocean Foundation's initiative.
IMOCA Paprec Arkéa, heading for a challenging 2025 season
Four months after a brilliant 2nd place in the Vendée Globe, the IMOCA Paprec Arkéa is back at sea, freshly optimized for a 2025 season focused on crewed and double-handed racing. Lighter, redesigned for performance and featuring ergonomic improvements, the monohull enters its "version 2", in the words of skipper Yoann Richomme. The objective is clear: to gain in speed and efficiency, and continue to shine.
On the agenda: 115 days of sailing, including several highlights such as the Rolex Fastnet Race (July 26), The Ocean Race Europe (August 10) and the Transat Café L'Or (October 26) with Corentin Horeau. Intense preparation at the yard has enabled us to reduce the weight on board, adapt the electronics to the crew's requirements, and improve visibility and steering in coastal conditions. After technical trials, the first sailings are expected this week to test the performance gains.
Ready both physically and mentally, Yoann Richomme's ambition remains unchanged: to make it to the top Paprec Arkéa a formidable competitor on all European waters.
