The 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race, marking its 11th edition, commenced on January 12th from Calero Marinas Marina Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
The 3,000-nautical-mile race across the Atlantic attracted sailors from 19 different nations, bound for Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada. This year’s race was notable for its diverse fleet, record-breaking performance and the indomitable spirit of the international crews taking on top competition, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Lanzarote – The ideal start for the adventure
In the days leading up to the race, Calero Marinas organised activities such as school visits and crew social events, aimed at involving both locals and visitors in the maritime festivities. The RORC Transatlantic Gala Dinner was held in one of Lanzarote’s most fabulous locations; the Casa-Museo del Campesino. The RORC Transatlantic Race highlights Lanzarote’s esteemed position as an ideal venue for sailing events.
Race dynamics – The Atlantic magic carpet ride
The race began under ideal sailing conditions, with the stunning backdrop of Arrecife setting the stage for the fleet’s departure. Enthusiastic spectators gathered both onshore and aboard spectator vessels to witness the start.
Throughout the race sailors experienced exhilarating conditions, with all boats achieving double-digit speeds. The fleet’s progress was marked by superb trade winds, however, strategic manoeuvres and the constant challenge of balancing speed with safety were the keys to a top performance. Many boats reported sail damage, especially during squalls.
However, the entire fleet arrived in Grenada with no major injuries to crew. Every boat was greeted in Port Louis Marina with a warm welcome and cold drinks. The camaraderie and competitive spirit amongst the sailors were profound, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere – racing across the Atlantic Ocean is a special achievement regardless of the results.
Record-breaking performance
A highlight of this year’s race was the performance of Bryon Ehrhart’s Juan K Maxi 88, Lucky (USA) which set a new monohull race record of 7 Days, 19 Hrs, 19 Mins, and 41 Secs. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Comanche, underscoring Lucky‘s exceptional capabilities and the crew’s near perfect in-race execution. Bryon Ehrhart was presented with the IMA Transatlantic Trophy by IMA Secretary General, Andrew McIrvine after Lucky’s Monohull Line Honours achievement.
“The breeze picked up for the last third, but honestly, six hours from the finish we did not think we would make the record. Comanche is a boat that we have great respect for; it’s good to see that we can actually perform to a level that is a little bit better than they did, but not by much!” commented NYYC member Ehrhart. “This is the longest race that we have done and it is a beautiful racecourse.
The RORC organise great races and the RORC Transatlantic Race is a very desirable way to come to the Caribbean to take part in the RORC Caribbean 600. On Lucky we have a very experienced and senior leadership group making the boat go fast all the time, so the boat does what it’s supposed to do at all times. We’ve had tight spots in this race, especially a light patch of wind in the second third, but we fought through.”
Overall victory under IRC
The Volvo 70 Tschüss 2 (USA), owned by Christian Zugel was declared the overall winner of the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race for the best corrected time under IRC.
For Zugel, this race represented his first oceanic race and the longest duration he had ever spent at sea. Reflecting on the experience, he praised his team’s resilience, noting the demanding watch system and the numerous gybes executed during the race.
“It was amazing sailing and I am delighted not just for myself but for all of the team for the race win,” smiled RORC member Zugel.
“The whole race was such an incredible experience. You’re on the wheel surrounded by amazing sailors and you look around and all you see is ocean; you realise how big the Atlantic is. On top of that you are trying to perfect the heel angle and the apparent wind angle; it’s an experience that’s hard to put in words. I can only say a big compliment to our team; they are phenomenal sailors.”
Multihull Class
Oran Nataf’s Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert (FRA) crossed the finish line outside Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, Grenada on Friday 24th January to take multihull line honours and eventually the win on MOCRA corrected time as well.
Runner-up for Multihull Line Honours was Jacopo Bracco’s Banuls 53 Finn (USA) which finished the race just five hours behind Rayon Vert.
“I am very proud to be the skipper of this boat with a great crew,” commented Yacht Club de Monaco member Nataf. “This was a long race for us because both our small and large gennaker exploded early in the race. This meant we had to sail wider wind angles with a smaller sail area. I did not think we would be first, but the strong wind at the end of the race really helped us.”
IRC One
James Neville’s Carkeek 45 Ino Noir (GBR) was the fourth boat to finish the RORC Transatlantic Race, completing the course in an elapsed time of 10 Days, 23 Hours, 22 Minutes and 57 Seconds. Ino Noir won IRC One and was third overall in IRC
This was the first transatlantic race for Ino Noir, which will represent the RORC in the upcoming Admiral’s Cup. The all-British crew brought extensive experience to the race having collectively completed numerous transatlantic crossings. However, for 2023 RORC Commodore James Neville, this was his first transatlantic race.
“On the wheel, it was absolutely fantastic, with a variety of wind conditions and scenarios,” commented Neville.
“When the breeze is up during the day you push hard, surfing waves – there’s nothing quite like it. Early in the race, we had a lot of moonlight, which allowed us to keep pushing hard, but later, there were long, dark nights where you’re flying along at speed in pitch black. It’s exhilarating and relentless at the same time. At moments you wish it were over and then the thrill of speed pulls you back in!”
Class40 & IRC Two
Class40 Tquila (GBR) finished the RORC Transatlantic Race on Friday 24th January in an elapsed time of 11 Days 17 Hrs 28 Mins 21Secs. On the course from Lanzarote to Grenada this is the fastest elapsed time for a Class40.
Tquila was skippered by Alister Richardson, with James McHugh at the helm and David Vela adding his vast experience to the team. Tquila finished the race covering the last 300 miles in just 24 hours. Tquila had a very successful race, ranking second overall after IRC time correction, winning IRC Two and the Class40 Division.
“We have had an absolutely incredible race; the conditions were great for Tquila,” commented Alister Richardson. “We had good wind all the way and to have done the fastest that a Class40 has ever done to Grenada is very satisfying.”
Youthful endeavours
The German JV52 Haspa Hamburg (GER) stood out as the youngest team in the race, with nine of its 12 crew members under the age of 30. Owned by the Hamburgischer Verein Seefahrt (HVS), an organisation dedicated to training young sailors since 1903, Haspa Hamburg exemplifies the tradition of nurturing young talent in offshore racing.
Double-handed triumph
In the IRC double-handed category, Patrick Isoard’s Open 50 Uship-pour Enfants du Mekong (FRA), racing with François Moriceau, completed the race in 13 days, 11 hours, 9 minutes and 51 seconds. Their performance secured the IRC double-handed class, showcasing their skill and determination.
© Sailing Energy
12 January, 2025
JV44 Fujimo (POL) – Embracing the RORC ethos
Co-skippered by Tomasz Kosobucki & Grzegorz Grabowski, the all-Polish crew on Fujimo crossed the finish line on January 31, 2025, with an elapsed time of 19 days, 00 hours, 43 minutes and 28 seconds. As the final boat to complete the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race, Fujimo embodied the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s ethos of ensuring that every competitor receives a warm welcome and congratulations at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, Grenada after crossing the finish line.
“Congratulations to all the boats that made it across the Atlantic and safely to Grenada,” commented RORC Racing Manager Steve Cole. “I would like to thank them all for the great atmosphere in this race. Now, we move on to Antigua for the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series and the RORC Caribbean 600.”
RORC Centenary in the Caribbean
As the 11th RORC Transatlantic Race concludes, plans are already underway for future editions. For 2025, the Royal Ocean Racing Club continues to embark on its centenary year with a spectacular racing programme. Upcoming events are the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series and the RORC Caribbean 600.
These events promise to deliver more thrilling offshore racing experiences in the Caribbean.
In conclusion, the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race was a remarkable showcase of sail racing prowess, determination and international camaraderie. From record-breaking performances to the nurturing of young talent, the race encapsulated the essence of offshore racing and has set a high standard for future editions. The RORC Transatlantic Race is the perfect benchmark for the RORC centenary year.
