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A legendary transatlantic race under a new flag
It used to be called Transat Jacques Vabre. Now it's called Transat Café L'Or. The name change has been accepted. The route, however, remains true to its origins: westward, then southward, following in the footsteps of the merchant ships that transported coffee from the New World to the ports of Normandy.
This Sunday, October 26, 2025, 148 sailors will set sail from the port of Le Havre, divided into 74 duos. A double-handed transatlantic race, built on endurance, weather strategy and human values.
Four classes, four moods
That's what makes this race so special: each class follows a different route. Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40... They all set off towards Martinique, but their paths don't always cross.
- The Ultims will cover 6,200 miles with a detour to Ascension Island, through the Doldrums.
- The Ocean Fifty are aiming for the island of Sal, in the Cape Verde archipelago, before the long slide westwards.
- IMOCA boats to round the Canaries
- The Class40s turn the Azores before heading for the West Indies
A musical start, down to the minute
The start will be like a finely tuned choreography. Each class will set off every 15 minutes: 14:00 for the Ultims, 14:15 for the Ocean Fifties, 14:30 for the IMOCAs, 14:45 for the Class40s. All in all, a great show off Le Havre.
The finish? Fort-de-France, between November 5 and 20, depending on weather, class and the vagaries of the Atlantic.
A transatlantic race to follow closely on Bateaux.com
The start will be broadcast live on France 3. Then stay tuned to Bateaux.com for daily rankings, highlights and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Transat Café L'Or 2025.
