Since its inception in 2014, the RORC Transatlantic Race has captured the imagination of the sailing community, offering a unique mix of adventure, and competition; it embodies the spirit of offshore racing—an arena where skill, perseverance, and experience come to the fore.
This race is no mere sprint; it is a test of endurance and strategy. The fleet is as diverse as it is competitive, with high-performance multihulls, monohulls, and everything in between. Boats from Class 40 to Maxi yachts will line up for this year’s edition, with sailors from around the globe drawn by the challenge of crossing the Atlantic non-stop and unassisted.
Fastest on record is the multihull Maserati Multi70, completing the journey in an astonishing 5 days, 5 hours, 46 minutes, and 26 seconds in 2023. Among monohulls, Comanche (Sail No. CAY007, which competed in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race) holds the record of 7 days, 22 hours, 1 minute, and 4 seconds set in 2022. Such milestones showcase the level of competition and innovation this race fosters.
This year’s race sees 17 entrants, each bringing a unique story to the start line. The Class 40 division includes Rock’n’Roll and Tquila, the latter boasting a first-place Class 40 finish in the 2024 Antigua 360. Multihull contender Pimomole, a Rapido 53XS, claimed victory in the MOCRA division of the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2024, while Perros-Guirec shone in the 2024 Cowes Dinard St Malo Race.
Among the IRC-rated entries, Uship-pour enfents du mekong, an IMOCA 50, adds an illustrious resume, including wins in the Transat CIC and Québec Saint Malo races in 2024. Meanwhile, HASPA HAMBURG, a youth training boat, exemplifies how experience can be built through consistent participation in global offshore events, including the Sydney to Hobart Race.
Experience is a hallmark of success in the RORC Transatlantic Race. Many of the entrants, like Tschüss 2, a Volvo Open 70, and Ino Noir, a Carkeek 45, have honed their skills in gruelling offshore competitions. New designs, like the recently launched Ino Noir, demonstrate how innovation in yacht construction and design plays a critical role in the evolution of offshore racing.
Whether it’s the seasoned campaigners or first-time entrants, the RORC Transatlantic Race offers a compelling narrative of skill, endurance, and the love of the ocean. As the fleet sets sail today, it promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the race’s storied history.
We will be following and reporting on progress.
