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The initial route was to have been an uninterrupted crossing for all classes. But weather conditions forced the race directors to revise their plans for the Class40 fleet. A neutralization has now been agreed in La Coruña, Galicia. This stopover will enable the forty-footers to take shelter before heading back to Martinique, as soon as the situation allows.
Weather too unstable
The decision was taken following the latest weather forecasts. An active front is expected at the entrance to the Bay of Biscay, with sustained winds and heavy seas.
The risk of boats facing winds in excess of 40 knots and waves in excess of 4 metres led the race directors to impose this preventive stopover.
On 12.20-meter boats, designed for the open sea but less tolerant than the larger classes in rough seas, caution is called for. A number of skippers, already tried and tested in the English Channel, welcome this decision, which avoids a forced passage risky for boats and crews.
Neutralization in two stages
The first leg from Le Havre to La Coruña will be timed in real time. The rankings for this first leg will be published as soon as the boats arrive in the Spanish port.
A second start will be given for the rest of the route, as soon as conditions are deemed acceptable.
The final ranking of the Transat Café L'Or 2025, for the Class40 class, will be based on the total of the two legs. Any penalty or jury decision will be applied at the end of the complete course.
A system reserved for Class40s
This neutralization only concerns the Class40 fleet. The courses for the ULTIM, IMOCA and Ocean Fifty classes remain unchanged, with a direct crossing to Martinique.
