Beyou and Lagravière Power Charal Toward a Historic Victory Across the Atlantic
For Beyou, 49, this race could mark a long-awaited return to the top step of the podium — his first major win since the 2020 Vendée Arctique. For co-skipper Lagravière, victory would cement his dominance in this transatlantic classic, giving him an unprecedented third consecutive win following triumphs in 2021 and 2023 with Thomas Ruyant.
Charal in Command – A Masterclass at Sea
Now on the 11th day at sea, the duo has widened the gap to over 114 miles ahead of Sam Goodchild and Loïs Berrehar aboard MACIF Santé Prévoyance, the reigning IMOCA Globe Series leaders. In third place, just six miles adrift, Francesca Clapcich and Will Harris continue to push hard aboard 11th Hour Racing, holding off challenges from Allagrande MAPEI (skippered by Ambrogio Beccaria and Thomas Ruyant) and Teamwork–Team SNEF with Justine Mettraux and Xavier Macaire.
The front five have broken away from the fleet, powering through the Trade Winds at blistering speeds under double-reefed mains and reaching sails. “It’s bumpy,” admitted Berrehar in a live update from onboard MACIF. “We’re slamming off waves at 25 knots — the boat never stops moving. Living down below is a mission, but we’re loving every second. We’re pushing as hard as we can, and we’re starting to smell the rum!”
But catching Charal is proving impossible. “They’ve got a different weapon altogether,” said Berrehar, noting Charal’s unique hull shape and advanced sail setup. “It’s a different philosophy of design — and clearly, it’s working.”
A Battle of Generations and Designs
The duel between Charal and MACIF represents more than a race for the line — it’s a showcase of IMOCA’s technological evolution. MACIF’s VPLP hull, winner of the Vendée Globe 2024, is a versatile all-rounder, while Charal’s next-generation design, with its aggressive foils and optimized deck layout, is built for speed in the kind of downwind Trade Wind surfing now dominating the course.
Meanwhile, 11th Hour Racing — the former Malizia-Seaexplorer — has been punching above its weight under the command of Clapcich and Harris. “We didn’t really see its full potential during The Ocean Race Europe,” Berrehar said. “Now, in these strong Trade Winds, its performance is really impressive.”
Behind them, Justine Mettraux, fresh from being named World Sailor of the Year (Female), continues to deliver a gritty performance aboard Teamwork–Team SNEF. “We’re pushing hard,” she said. “We can’t quite match the speed of the front four, but we’re giving it everything. It’s all about small gains now — sail trim, rest, communication. Every knot matters.”
The Wider Fleet: Grit and Glory Across the Atlantic
Further down the leaderboard, Louis Burton and Clément Commagnac on Bureau Vallée are just six miles off Mettraux’s transom in sixth place, chasing hard. In the daggerboard division, Nico d’Estais and Simon Koster on Café Joyeux remain dominant, 165 miles ahead of their nearest rival, Fives Group–Lantana Environnement, sailed by Louis Duc and Masa Suzuki.
Further astern, the comeback story of the race belongs to Yoann Richomme and Corentin Horeau aboard Paprec Arkéa. After returning to Le Havre for emergency repairs following an early collision with a buoy, the duo have clawed their way back into 12th place — a staggering recovery after losing nearly 48 hours.
A Race That Defines the IMOCA Spirit
The Transat Café L’OR — a 4,350-mile ocean odyssey from Le Havre, France to Fort-de-France, Martinique — has long been one of the IMOCA calendar’s most defining tests. As the final race of the 2025 season, it attracts the elite of offshore sailing: the Vendée Globe veterans, Ocean Race heroes, and emerging talents shaping the future of solo and double-handed ocean racing.
With its shifting weather systems, relentless downwind legs, and punishing boat speeds, it’s a test of both endurance and precision. For Beyou and Lagravière, it’s also a shot at redemption — and a chance to write a new chapter in Charal’s storied history.
“We’re focused and confident,” Beyou said before the start. “We’ve had good preparation, the boat’s strong, and we’re sailing well together. The goal is simple — sail fast, stay smart, and bring Charal home first.”
As the black IMOCA surges westward under a moonlit sky, it’s clear that the French pairing are not just racing for victory — they’re racing into the record books.
OldSeaDogs.com Summary
With Charal powering toward a historic win, the Transat Café L’OR 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable offshore duels in recent memory. From the bumpy Trade Wind sprints to the tactical chess of the final approach to Martinique, this race embodies everything we love about ocean racing — guts, grit, and the endless pull of the open sea.