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Victory in a thrilling match
The Viabilis Oceans duo won the race in 12 days, 5 hours, 24 minutes and 30 seconds, after covering 5,709.41 miles at an average speed of 19.46 knots. A remarkable performance that saw them come back from the bottom of the rankings after an unscheduled technical stop at Aber-Wrac'h on the first night of the race.
Baptiste Hulin and Thomas Rouxel started out in last place, and then made their way brilliantly up the fleet. In an intense battle with Wewise (Quiroga/Morvan) and Le Rire Médecin (Berry/Joubert), they demonstrated their strategy and composure, taking the lead in the final miles.
A look back at a decisive comeback
Their initial difficulties gave way to exemplary race management. As the frontrunners slowed down in the ridge off Morocco, Viabilis Oceans took advantage of the situation to climb steadily up the rankings. Their bold tactical choice to round Cape Verde to the south gave them a temporary lead.
But it all came down to the wire. With Edenred having suffered helm damage, the way was clear for Viabilis and Wewise, engaged in an intense duel. In the end, Viabilis Oceans crossed the line 17 minutes and 32 seconds ahead of its pursuers.
A mature Ocean Fifty class
This 2025 edition offered a podium that was, to say the least, unexpected: three boats launched long before the era of the latest designs. Viabilis Oceans, Wewise and Le Rire Médecin - Lamotte, launched in 2017, 2018 and even 2009 respectively, prove that in this class, the hierarchy is never set in stone. Such a diversity of ages at the head of a transatlantic race underlines the relevance of the Ocean Fifty class: demanding but open, it allows old but sharp projects to stay in the game. It's a balance that contributes greatly to the current appeal of this class, where the value of the sailor weighs as much as that of the boat.
First major victory for Hulin and Rouxel
This victory marks a turning point in the career of Baptiste Hulin, a former match-race champion who has gone from strength to strength since joining the BE Racing stable. For Thomas Rouxel, it's also his first victory in the Transat Café L'Or, after three participations in the Ultim class.
