/ 
Le Havre is preparing to vibrate to the rhythm of the 17th edition of the Transat Café L'OR Le Havre Normandie. This Sunday, October 26, 2025, 74 yachts will set sail for Fort-de-France. For sailing fans, it's a chance to see the best duos in ocean racing up close. But how can you enjoy the show without missing a sail or an explanation?
Arrive early in the village at the Paul-Vatine Basin
The first movements begin at 9am. The village opens its doors, allowing you to observe the crews getting ready. It's also the last chance to see the boats docked, breathe in the atmosphere of the start and hear the final instructions from the pontoons. Some of the skippers have a few words with the public, their gloved hands on the helm, their eyes already on the Atlantic.
A coastal parade accessible to all
The parade starts at around 10 a.m. From the Nelson-Mandela esplanade, the public will be able to follow the passage of the different classes. Live commentary is provided, and a musical backdrop sets the tone. This is a key moment for families and enthusiasts alike, as it allows them to distinguish the different types of boats and enjoy the spectacle from the ground.
Le Havre beach, a natural lookout point for departures
From 2pm, the four classes set sail from the harbor. The best vantage point remains the beach at Le Havre. Every quarter of an hour, a departure:
This deliberate time lag makes it easier to keep track of each fleet and avoid risky crossings.
Follow the race from a distance, between cartography and live TV
For those who can't be in Le Havre, the race will be broadcast live on television and online. France 3 and france.tv will broadcast the start between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., accompanied by numerous on-air experts. An interactive map, available on the official race website, tracks positions every five minutes until 3:30pm. The first rankings will appear at 4pm.
Radios and social networks for daily race coverage
France Info, Radio Caraïbes International, Martinique la Première and Ici Normandie also cover the event. It's the ideal solution for sailors at dockside or underway, who can stay informed without visual access. On social networks, the official accounts @TransatCafeLor share photos, reactions and positions at sea.
Advice for boaters wishing to follow from the sea
Pleasure boats wishing to approach the start area must exercise caution and respect the safety zones. Beacons set up by the Préfecture Maritime restrict access to certain areas of the harbor. Safety launches remind you of the distances to be respected. It is advisable to position yourself upstream of the exit channel to get an overview, while remaining extremely vigilant.
