LE HAVRE, FRANCE — October 31, 2025
The 2025 Transat Café L’OR — the double-handed transatlantic race from Le Havre to Martinique — has entered its first week with high drama. Storms, capsizes, mechanical failures, and a startling mid-air incident have already defined the early chapters of the race, as seen through verified posts from the event’s official channels and sailors themselves. Read on for a Transat Café L’OR 2025 race update.
A Grueling Start in the North Atlantic
From the moment the fleet left Le Havre, the North Atlantic proved merciless. The race’s official X account described sleepless nights and heavy seas, writing: “🗞️ After Sunday’s intense, seemingly relentless onslaught, yesterday felt a bit like a time for recovery, grabbing at least some sleep…” By mid-week, Ocean Fifty Lazare X Hellio had capsized off La Hague, though both skippers — Érvān Leroux and Audrey Ogėreau — were confirmed safe.
Later came news that the Class40 Rêve de large 5, skippered by Rodolphe Sepho and Jean-Pierre Coutayar, had retired to Lorient due to damage. Even among the IMOCA fleet, problems persisted: “Elodie Bonafous and Yann Eliès have a problem. The two sailors are working to find a repair solution, while continuing their southward route,” read another update from @TransatCafeLOR.
A Rare Mid-Air Incident
In one of the most extraordinary stories of the week, Class40 skippers Jérôme Delire and Caroline Dieu aboard Innovad.Group – XLG reported that a low-flying private jet nearly ended their race. As they sailed in the Bay of Biscay under spinnaker, the plane made several passes overhead before its jet blast ‘couched’ the boat in an instant, ripping their spinnaker to shreds. “The pressure was so strong that the spinnaker halyard gave way,” Jérôme explained. “It took us 40 minutes to recover the sail and stabilize the boat.” The pair released a video afterward showing their exhaustion and tears, describing how ‘the nerves just gave out’ after days of back-to-back mishaps. Despite the damage, they repaired the boat, hoisted a spare sail, and vowed to continue racing toward La Coruña.
Life Onboard: From Fatigue to Focus
For others, calmer moments offered reflection. British IMOCA skipper Sam Davies shared, “Tonight is the first night that is calm enough to write a message! On board the vibe is happy and positive…” Her words marked a turning point in mood across the fleet as weather moderated and boats regrouped in lighter winds. “Ralentissement et regroupement : c’est la tendance générale de ce 4e jour de course,” organizers noted — a slowdown and regrouping for many competitors.
Commitment Beyond Competition
Amid the setbacks, the Transat Café L’OR team continues to highlight the race’s human and environmental ethos. Explorer Matthieu Tordeur, this year’s race ‘godfather,’ appeared in posts encouraging sailors and fans to embrace the spirit of exploration. The organization also reiterated its sustainability message: “Investing in the planet should not be seen as a constraint but as a positive outcome — a commitment prize will be presented to the most virtuous crew.”
Racing Onward
With more than a week of ocean still ahead, the Transat Café L’OR has proven relentless. To re-cap the Transat Café L’OR 2025 race update: Three Ocean Fifty trimarans have reportedly capsized, several boats have retired, and countless crews continue to repair damage mid-race. As one official post reminded followers, “No free rides. Nothing is for free on the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR.” From near collisions with aircraft to capsizes in gale-force winds, the race has become a test not just of seamanship but of sheer human endurance.
View onboard footage of the aftermath of Innovad.Group – XLG’s encounter with a plane below:
