RORC Transatlantic Race: Only Two Months Remaining
by Louay Habib / RORC 11 Nov 09:02 PST
12 January 2025
Bryon Ehrhart’s 88ft (27m) Maxi Lucky (USA) © Carlo Borlenghi / ROLEX
With only two months remaining until the start of the 3,000-mile race across the Atlantic, the RORC Transatlantic Race fleet is continuing to grow, with additional entries anticipated in the upcoming months.
Boats have been arriving at Marina Lanzarote, with many more on their way for the race commencement on 12th January 2025. As with all previous 11 editions, a diverse array of boats and sailors will compete in this extraordinary event.
The contest for monohull line honors and the IMA Transatlantic Trophy will feature two newcomers to the RORC Transatlantic Race: Bryon Ehrhart’s 88ft (27m) Maxi Lucky and Christian Zugel’s Volvo 70 (21.5m) Tschüss II. Both yachts hail from the United States and are designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian. Lucky is considered the favorite, but Tschüss II should not be underestimated. The RORC Transatlantic Monohull Race Record was established by Comanche, captained by Mitch Booth in 2022: 07 Days 22 Hrs 01 Mins 04 Secs.
Bryon Ehrhart’s Maxi Lucky boasts an elite crew for the race, including Charlie Enright, Joca Signorini, and Peter Van Niekerk. Lucky’s navigator, Juan Vila, will be participating in his first RORC Transatlantic Race. The Spaniard is one of the few sailors to have secured the Jules Verne Trophy, the Volvo Ocean Race, and the America’s Cup.
“This is a race that I have always wanted to do,” Vila stated. “I have participated in similar races previously, but a trade wind race in January across the Atlantic is particularly special for any navigator due to the constant challenges; you must adapt and utilize all your expertise for this race. This route across the Atlantic is very swift, and Comanche’s 2022 record, averaging nearly 16 knots, is quite remarkable.
“At the race’s outset, we need to navigate around the majority of the Canary Islands, particularly the lee of Tenerife. It’s an early decision: whether to navigate in the islands’ lee or take the extra distance to avoid them.
“In the open Atlantic, broad reaching conditions are ideal for Lucky, as this is the angle where the boat performs fastest. Even with the significant advancements in satellite communications and weather model accuracy, effective planning requires determining how much trust you can place in the weather models. Sometimes routing is based on a forecast that may not materialize, or it might not account for local influences; therefore, adjustments are necessary. Local factors such as trade wind showers can provide advantages in gaining distance, but they can also be unpredictable. Ultimately, you must create a mental picture of the expected developments.
“The race begins in higher latitudes, transitioning to lower latitudes towards the end, making transitions likely and contingent on the Jet Stream’s behavior. Accurate transitions are essential for making gains or losses. The timing of when to switch from a North Atlantic weather system to trade wind conditions is key. If you wait too long, the opportunity vanishes; if you move too early, you may end up with a longer route,” Vila concluded.
For Christian Zugel’s inaugural transatlantic race, Tschüss II will have a skilled crew co-skippered by Johnny Mordaunt, featuring Stu Bannatyne, Tristan Louwrens, and Chris Welch from the 2024 overall winner, Warrior Won. Leading Tschüss as navigator will be Campbell Field, who celebrated IRC Zero victory aboard Botin 52 Tala in 2022.
Field pointed out that despite advancements in weather data and computational capabilities, the fundamental approach remains consistent with previous decades: “We conduct daily forecast reviews, strategic updates, and coordinate boat preparations and sail selections. It’s also important to get on deck and relish the scenery, offer assistance when necessary, and snag a nap occasionally. Local weather variables such as island effects, cloud formations, and squalls are vital,” he remarked. “I’m thrilled to race again on such a formidable yacht with a fantastic team.”
The youngest team in the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race is Germany’s JV52 Haspa Hamburg, featuring nine out of 12 crew members under the age of 30. Owned by the Hamburgischer Verein Seefahrt (HVS), known for training young sailors on ocean voyages since 1903, Haspa Hamburg is a common participant in RORC competitions. The HVS has been competing with RORC for many years. Skippering the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race will be Wibke Borrmann, accompanied by her husband Lars and their daughter Inken, one of three 19-year-olds on board.
“Our objective is to create opportunities for young individuals to race offshore; this is central to the HVS mission,” Wibke emphasized. Following the RORC Transatlantic Race, Haspa Hamburg will compete in the RORC Caribbean 600, then return in the West-East Transatlantic Race to participate in the Rolex Fastnet Race. “Safety is our top priority,” Wibke added. “I hope the crew will cherish the experience enough to want to sail back. Offshore racing offers a uniquely intense way of living that fosters mutual trust and reliance.”
The RORC Transatlantic Race is supported by Calero Marinas, the International Maxi Association, and the Yacht Club de France. The RORC fleet will set sail on 12th January from Marina Lanzarote to embark on a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, headed for Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada, West Indies.
View current entries
For more details, including online entry and the Notice of Race: www.rorctransatlantic.rorc.org
