This race is never simply about the fastest boat. It is about average speed, reliability, mental stamina, and the ability to keep a boat moving when the ocean tries its hardest to slow you down. And in this edition, four standout offshore machines have emerged as the early favourites for the coveted RORC Transatlantic Race Trophy under IRC: NeoJivaro – Neo 430 – Yves Grosjean Ino Noir – Carkeek 45 – James Neville Maxitude – Lift 45 – Xavier & Alexandre Bellouard Palanad 4 – Manuard 50 – Antoine Magre Together, they represent the cutting edge of offshore yacht design: scow-bowed rockets, feather-light carbon platforms, and crews built to endure the Atlantic’s moods — from light-air drift battles to full-bore surfing in the trades.