Change of course adds tactical twist for RORC Transatlantic Race
by Louay Habib / RORC 10 Jan 14:37 UTC
12 January 2025
RORC Transatlantic Race area past Cape Verde Islands © PredictWind
The 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race is set to begin with a new twist, following an important amendment to the Sailing Instructions announced on Thursday, January 9th.
While the fleet will still round the mark off Puerto Calero Marina after the start, the Canary Islands have been removed from the course. This change opens up fresh tactical possibilities, giving teams greater flexibility in their route selection.
"We want to make the race as tactically challenging and interesting as possible," explained RORC Race Director Steve Cole. "The new course allows for more options, and we're expecting great conditions at the start—12 to 15 knots on their way to the first mark."
On Thursday, January 9th, the sailors of the RORC Transatlantic Race gathered for a delightful Cheese and Wine Tasting evening at the RORC Transat Lounge, nestled in the vibrant Plaza de Las Cruces, Marina Lanzarote. The relaxed atmosphere was filled with the aroma of fine cheeses and the clinking of glasses as sailors mingled, sharing stories and strategies. The evening buzzed with animated dockside discussions, with the hot topic being the recently announced course change for the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race, sparking debates and excitement about the tactical possibilities it introduced.
Campbell Field, navigator on Christian Zugel's Volvo 70 Tschüss 2 (USA), racing in IRC Zero commented: "At the start, we're expecting a nice northeasterly breeze in the mid-teens, possibly increasing to over 20 knots with a VMG running angle—great for everyone. Let's hope it holds, though surprises are always part of this race! Conditions look promising as we head into open ocean.
"Further ahead, the Azores high may dip south of the big low-pressure system to the north, with the added possible challenges like squalls and sargassum weed. The key will be staying aware and using squalls to our advantage and not getting stuck in sargassum."
Campbell Field on the course change: "The Sailing Instructions amendment adds interesting strategic options, like passing through the Canary Islands or heading toward the African Coast. Personally, I feel that as this is a transatlantic race, leaving Lanzarote and racing straight across to Grenada feels more fitting."
Jack Trigger, Navigator on James Neville's Carkeek 45 Ino Noir (GBR), racing in IRC One commented:
"The North Atlantic weather is complex, with the Azores high pressure unusually far south. At the start, a ridge stretches across the Atlantic, enabling low-pressure systems to move west to east, creating highly changeable conditions. On Ino Noir, we've explored both north and south routes, with trade winds favouring a southern route but no final decision yet. We'll monitor closely, as early decisions will be key."
Jack Trigger on the course change: "I believe the course change is positive, allowing teams to choose strategies that suit their boats. While passing through the islands could benefit from wind acceleration, it must be weighed against sailing extra manoeuvres."
Michael Wahlroos, navigator on Jouko Kallio's Swan 651 Spirit of Helsinki (FIN) commented: "The change of course doesn't change our plans that much; Spirit of Helsinki is made for VMG running, so we will be going south. Our style of boat will be too slow to go the northern route. Also we have chosen just one enormous jib which makes us even more optimised for VMG downwind. Looking further into the conditions after the start, we could see the wind building from behind, which means we will get the extra speed before the faster boats ahead of us. If the current weather models are true, this could be a rhumb line race in solid trade winds, just like it says in the brochure!"
The 11th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race starts on Sunday 12th January 2025 from Marina Lanzarote, Canary Islands and will finish at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada, Caribbean.
Race Website: rorctransatlantic.rorc.org