Setting off on iconic ocean adventure

The 11th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race launched in spectacular style, with a steady northeasterly breeze climbing into the high teens and a pleasant 20°C air temperature for the start on January 12 from the Canary Islands on the 3000nm course to Grenada, West Indies.

Prior to the 2025 start from Lanzarote, an amendment removed the course requirement to round the Canary Islands, allowing the 17 teams to choose strategies that suit their boats for the Atlantic crossing. “We want to make the race as tactically challenging and interesting as possible,” explained RORC Race Director Steve Cole.

At 1500 UTC on the first day of the race, the Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert (FRA) led the Multihull Class on the water, smoking along at an average speed of 20 knots. In the monohull fleet, the Juan K 88 Lucky (USA) led the charge, clocking speeds of over 25 knots.

Race details – Entries – Tracker

The mnohull elapsed record was set in 2022 by Comanche, skippered by Mitch Booth: 07 days 22 hours 01 mins 04 secs.

The multihull elapsed record was set in 2023 by Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati Multi70: 05 days 5 hours 46 mins 26 secs.

Source: RORC