CHARAL STORMS TO VICTORY
The French duo crossed the finish line off Martinique in dramatic tropical rain on Friday, November 7, completing a 5,467.42-nautical-mile course from Le Havre, France, in just 11 days at an astonishing average speed of 19.25 knots. For Beyou — a five-time Vendée Globe veteran — this marks his long-awaited return to the top of the podium, while for Lagravière it represents an extraordinary third consecutive Transat Café L’OR victory (following wins in 2021 and 2023).
Their sleek Sam Manuard-designed IMOCA, painted in Charal’s unmistakable black and red, proved unstoppable — combining precision design, powerful sail configurations, and flawless teamwork.
A Masterclass in Offshore Racing
From the very start in Le Havre, Charal was a force to be reckoned with. Beyou and Lagravière powered through the early stages, trading leads with MACIF Santé Prévoyance, Allagrande Mapei Racing, and 11th Hour Racing.
After briefly losing ground near Madeira when the fleet compressed in light airs, Charal surged back into control as they hit the northeast Trade Winds, turning on the afterburners and never looking back. Downwind, the duo unleashed blistering speed that none of their rivals could match — sailing with surgical precision through squalls, cross seas, and shifting winds all the way to Fort-de-France.
As they crossed the finish line under torrential Caribbean rain, both sailors were soaked, exhausted, and smiling from ear to ear.
“This one means a lot,” said Beyou, 49, moments after docking. “Everything came together — the preparation, the team, the boat, and the partnership. We gave absolutely everything. The gap to the others was small all the way to the end, so we had to fight for every mile. It’s been an incredible ride — and to win it alongside Morgan makes it even more special.”
Lagravière, who has now etched his name into Transat Café L’OR history, added:
“Every edition is its own adventure — different stories, different challenges. This one was about trust and teamwork. It’s the start of a new chapter with Jérémie and the Charal team, and we’re proud to bring home a win they’ve been chasing for years.”
Precision, Power, and Perseverance
The victory was no accident. Behind the scenes, the Charal team meticulously fine-tuned every element of the campaign — from hydrodynamics and sail design to routing strategy and onboard communication.
Beyou, who has spent two decades at the top of offshore racing, never doubted that a win would come again.
“You never stop believing,” he said. “But everything has to align — the right co-skipper, the right weather, zero mistakes. This time, everything clicked. It’s proof that persistence pays off — and Charal was simply perfect.”
A Historic Podium for Offshore Sailing
Just six hours later, Francesca Clapcich and Will Harris aboard 11th Hour Racing claimed second place — making history as the first non-French duo to reach the Transat Café L’OR podium since 2011, and with Clapcich becoming the first woman to podium since Ellen MacArthur in 2005.
Sailing the former Malizia-Seaexplorer, Clapcich and Harris combined tactical brilliance with rock-solid teamwork, often matching the foiling performance of newer, faster rivals. After leading the fleet through the Canaries, they fought a thrilling mid-ocean duel with MACIF Santé Prévoyance, ultimately breaking away in the final 48 hours to secure second.
“We trusted our instincts and just sailed our race,” said Harris. “Our decisions near the Canaries gave us the edge — and from then on, we stayed confident. We knew Charal was on another level, but to be this close is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Clapcich added:
“We wanted to sail fast, push hard, and share the journey with everyone following from home. It’s not just about racing — it’s about connecting people to what we love. This result means a lot for our campaign toward the next Vendée Globe.”
MACIF Santé Prévoyance Battles to Third
Completing the podium were Sam Goodchild and Loïs Berrehar on MACIF Santé Prévoyance, just two hours behind the runners-up. The British-French pair led early in the race but suffered damage to their mainsail hook that forced them to stop for repairs — a setback that may have cost them a chance at victory.
“It’s hard not to feel a little disappointed,” admitted Goodchild. “We had high expectations and started strong. But the top two sailed brilliantly — Charal was outstanding. They built a boat and sail plan specifically for these Trade Wind conditions, took a calculated risk, and it paid off.”
Berrehar, meanwhile, savoured the intensity of the crossing:
“The speeds are insane — we were averaging 20 knots for days. It’s exhausting, it’s wet, it’s violent — but it’s exhilarating. I’ve learned so much on this race, and sharing it with Sam made it unforgettable.”
The IMOCA Fleet Delivers a Classic
The 18-strong fleet of IMOCA 60s — representing some of the most technologically advanced monohulls in the world — provided one of the most competitive editions of the Transat Café L’OR to date. From the rough exit of the English Channel to the calm zones near Madeira and the punishing trades south of the Azores, every mile tested both sailor and machine.
Further back, Justine Mettraux, recently named World Sailor of the Year, finished fifth with co-skipper Xavier Macaire aboard Teamwork-Team SNEF, after a strong comeback mid-Atlantic.
Mettraux said:
“We gave everything. Even when we couldn’t match the top-four for speed, we fought hard. The teamwork and energy on board were fantastic — it’s been a rewarding race.”
A Race That Defines Modern Offshore Sailing
The Transat Café L’OR — one of ocean racing’s modern classics — continues to showcase the very best of human endurance, technological innovation, and the timeless challenge of crossing the Atlantic under sail.
In this 2025 edition, the story belonged to Charal. For Jérémie Beyou and Morgan Lagravière, victory was more than just a win — it was a statement. A reminder that passion, preparation, and perseverance still rule the ocean.