In a Word / Ocean racing logbook: Porquerolle's Race, CIC Normandy Channel Race, America's Cup

© SNT

Here's a summary of the regattas and offshore races for the week of May 24-30, 2025. On the program, Mikael Mergui wins the Porquerolle's Race and Esprit Large the CIC Normandy Channel Race, while Armel Le Cléac'h and Loïck Peyron shine in the Armen Race. Meanwhile, classic sailing shines in Marseille with the Voiles du Vieux-Port, and high-performance sailing prepares in Naples for the 2027 America's Cup. A roundup of the performances and maritime news that thrill sailing enthusiasts!

Les Voiles du Vieux-Port 2025: Marseille celebrates the elegance of traditional sailing

From June 20 to 22, Marseille will vibrate to the rhythm of the Voiles du Vieux-Port, bringing together an exceptional fleet of traditional sailboats for spectacular regattas. A concours d'élégance and a parade in the Vieux-Port will highlight these century-old jewels. This event follows on from the YCF Spring Cup and the 30th anniversary of the AFYT, confirming the Mediterranean roots of classic sailing. A unique meeting where passion, heritage and conviviality will make the city of Marseille shine.

© Piérick Jeannoutot
piérick Jeannoutot

An intense and committed first day for Porquerolle's Race 2025

The 5? edition of the Porquerolle's Race got underway in fickle winds but glorious sunshine, with 195 crews on the starting line. The Class40s were the first to set off on a 67-mile course reduced due to the Mistral, with Mikael Mergui (Centrakor) winning after a tactical race. For the other classes, a single race was launched after long hours of waiting. All hail the magnificent setting, the high level of competition and the spirit of sharing that illustrates the richness of this regatta.

The CIC Normandy Channel Race 2025 crowns Esprit Large after an epic edition

The 16áµ CIC Normandy Channel Race delivered a breathtaking scenario. After four days of grueling racing, it was the Class40 Esprit Large (209), skippered by Corentin Douguet and Axel Tréhin, which won in Ouistreham, ahead of Sogestran âeuros Seafrigo (197) and Legallais (199). Strong winds, heavy seas, technical incidents and retirements punctuated this historic edition. The duos had to contend with modified courses and harsh weather, before delivering a spectacular finish. This victory marks revenge for Douguet, unfortunate finalist in 2022, and a double for Tréhin, who joins the very exclusive club of double winners of the event.

Armen Race Uship 2025: 195 crews at the start of a legendary race

The 14th edition of the Armen Race Uship got underway this Thursday, May 29, in Quiberon Bay, bringing together 195 crews under cloudy skies and light winds of 5 knots. Among the favorites, Armel Le Cléac'h, Anthony Marchand, Loïck Peyron and Sébastien Rogues, ready to do battle on a course reduced to 200 nautical miles. An edition in which the enthusiasm of the 58 IRC duos and the presence of legends such as Francis Joyon testify to the continuing appeal of this emblematic ocean race.

Alinghi denounces lack of transparency and calls for fair framework for America's Cup 2027

Alinghi Red Bull Racing criticizes Team New Zealand's management of the America's Cup, in particular the lack of prior agreement with Athena Racing before the announcement of Naples as host city. Emirates Team New Zealand, for its part, insists on its right and responsibility to choose the venue in accordance with the Deed of Gift and a Memorandum of Understanding which confers this power on the Defender. This MOU stipulates that the Defender must announce the venue for the Cup and Challenger Selection Series within eight months of the last regatta of the previous edition, and the definitive dates within two months thereafter. Emirates Team New Zealand also reaffirms its commitment to working with the teams on the future of the America's Cup. Alinghi, for its part, calls for a clear and shared protocol, the only guarantee of a fair event and an eventual return to competition.

The Wing 2025 Challenge in Gruissan: a world record and an intergenerational momentum

With 600 entries from 25 nations, the 4th edition of the Défi Wing confirmed Gruissan as the world capital of wingfoil, bringing together enthusiasts from 13 to 78 years of age. On an exceptional playground, legendary skippers and young talents competed in a capricious wind, illustrating the unifying and innovative spirit of the event. This year's event has already established the Défi Wing as a living laboratory for board sports and a must-attend event for riders from all over the world.

© Jean Souville
jean Souville

Naples unveils the 38? America's Cup Louis Vuitton host in style

In the historic setting of the Castel dell'Ovo, the city of Naples officially presented its role as host for the Louis Vuitton 38? America's Cup, marking a key milestone for the competition. Between projections on ancient walls and inspiring speeches by political and sporting figures, the event highlighted the enthusiasm and pride of hosting the America's Cup in Italy for the first time. The Bay of Naples is set to become one of the most beautiful nautical theaters for the 2027 regattas.

Conrad Colman and Maxus: a renewed partnership for sustainable mobility

Conrad Colman extends its partnership with Maxus, manufacturer of 100% electric vehicles, for a further two years. This support reinforces the eco-responsible approach of the yachtsman, who will benefit from the new eTERRON 9 pick-up for his logistical movements. Together, Conrad Colman and Maxus continue to prove that performance and ecology can go hand in hand, both on land and at sea.

A promising 10th edition for Les Sables âeuros Horta âeuros Les Sables

The 10áµ edition of Les Sables âeuros Horta âeuros Les Sables will bring together more than 30 Class40 boats and two former Vendée Globe winners for a strategic double-handed and single-handed race. This race between Les Sables d'Olonne and the Azores archipelago promises top-level competition, punctuated by a host of harbor events for the general public. Departure on June 28, in a festive and committed atmosphere!

SP80 exceeds 100 km/h: another step towards the world record

In Leucate, the SP80 broke the 100 km/h barrier (58.261 knots), becoming the second fastest sailing boat in history. This performance, ahead of the AC75 and F50, confirms the potential of a boat designed to beat the absolute sailing speed record. With an average speed of 48.6 knots over 500 meters, the team is now aiming for its first official records, confident in its growing mastery of kiting and piloting.

A new era for Italian sailing: SailGP unveils a new group of prestigious owners

The Red Bull Italy SailGP Team comes under the control of the Muse Sport consortium, led by Assia Grazioli-Venier, Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo and skipper Jimmy Spithill, with the participation of Anne Hathaway and other sports and entertainment personalities. This acquisition marks a turning point for Italian sailing, with an innovative ownership model combining female leadership, entrepreneurial vision and a commitment to inclusion. The consortium intends to position Italy at the heart of the global SailGP circuit, combining cutting-edge technology with cultural storytelling.

Pacific Puddle Jump 2026: three formulas for a tailor-made Polynesian dream

Sail Tahiti unveils its three âeuros Tumu, Manava and Aupuru âeuros support packages for the Pacific Puddle Jump 2026 transpacific crossing, offering sailors personalized services to reach French Polynesia. With free content for curious explorers, enriched services for those wishing to prepare their arrival with peace of mind, and comprehensive support for the most demanding sailors, the 2026 edition promises to seduce all those with a passion for deep-sea sailing. Registration opens in September.

Prime Minister Meloni celebrates the arrival of the 38th America's Cup in Rome

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup at an exceptional ceremony at the Casino del Bel Respiro, in the presence of the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand and numerous international journalists. The event marks the first time the prestigious race will be held in Italy, in Naples, the historic birthplace of Mediterranean sailing. Meloni affirmed his support for the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team and stressed the importance of this event for the revitalization of southern Italy and the promotion of sailing among the younger generation.

24H Ultim 2025: ULTIM and Ocean Fifty join forces for an exceptional event in Lorient

The 4th edition of the 24H Ultim, scheduled from September 25 to 28, 2025 at Lorient-La Base, will bring together the ULTIM and Ocean Fifty trimarans for the first time. This unprecedented gathering promises four days of spectacle, punctuated by exhibition runs and a 24-hour sprint at sea. In all, 13 trimarans will compete in a spectacular format, just a few weeks ahead of the Transat Café L'Or. On land, a village dedicated to enthusiasts will highlight the wealth of multihulls and sailors involved.

© Vincent Olivaud/Ocean Fifty
vincent Olivaud/Ocean Fifty

Défi Kite 2025: Gruissan celebrates two days of Tramontane and performance

The Défi Kite 2025 came to a close in Gruissan in a festive and sporting atmosphere, where over 300 riders competed in five spectacular heats, buoyed by a faithful Tramontane. Axel Mazella confirmed his status by winning four of the five heats, while Nell de Jaham, aged just 18, put in a remarkable performance. Lauriane Nolot and Ellie Aldridge, both Olympic medallists, also shone on the waters of Gruissan. A memorable edition, an event that is already on the agenda for 2026.

Three great winners and a memorable race at the PAPREC 600 Saint-Tropez 2025

The Paprec 600 Saint-Tropez 2025 ended on a high note with victories for CENTRAKOR (Mikael Mergui and Richard Robini) in the Class40 category, CHENAPAN IV (Gilles Caminade) in the IRC crew category, and BLUE 007 (Michel Sastre and Jean-Pierre Balmes) in the IRC duo category. This edition was marked by a demanding course and extreme weather conditions, with strong winds and flat calms. At the prize-giving ceremony, the conviviality and pride of the participants reigned supreme, promising an even stronger comeback in 2026.

More articles on the theme