Ocean Fifty Series 2025 Championship: New Skippers and Partnerships
The Ocean Fifty Series 2025 Championship promises to be full of new developments, with the arrival of new skippers, changes in partnerships, and innovative projects focused on environmental responsibility. The fleet, now composed of 11 trimarans, will see several boats changing hands, while the class continues its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
An Active Transfer Market Within the Ocean Fifty Class
With a numerus clausus limiting the fleet to 11 boats, joining the Ocean Fifty class has become a challenge. Neo Sailing Technologies (formerly Lalou Multi), the shipyard that owned a boat during the last Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, quickly exercised its construction rights in 2024. The new trimaran will be launched in May and entrusted to Emmanuel Le Roch and Basile Bourgnon, sailing under the colors of Edenred.
Meanwhile, several transactions are underway regarding existing boats:
- Realites: Fabrice Cahierc has announced the sale of his trimaran. The negotiations are in the final stages, and a new owner is expected to be revealed soon.
- Ex-Primonial: Winner of the 2024 Ocean Fifty Series, this boat will now sail under the Inter Invest colors, which remains in the class with Matthieu Perraut, partnered with Sébastien Rogues. The current Inter Invest is up for sale and under negotiation.
- Wind of Trust: After damage sustained during the Route des Terre-Neuvas in August 2024, the boat will be repaired. Christopher Pratt, its skipper, is looking for a partner or buyer for this emblematic trimaran.
- Upwind by MerConcept: Anne-Claire Le Berre becomes the only female skipper in Ocean Fifty for 2025, taking the helm of this trimaran after being part of the crew in 2024 alongside Francesca Clapcich.
Several other skippers continue their commitment:
- Erwan Le Roux: Still at the helm of Koesio in 2025, partnered with Audrey Ogereau for the Transat Café l’Or.
- Thibaut Vauchel-Camus: Continues aboard Solidaires En Peloton.
- Baptiste Hulin: Stays with Viabilis Océans.
- Luke Berry: Continues on Le Rire Médecin – Lamotte.
- Laurent Bourguès: Defends the colors of Mon Bonnet Rose and seeks to complete his budget after a successful 2024 season.
Ocean Fifty Series 2025 Championship Program
After a 2024 season featuring events in the Mediterranean, the 2025 edition refocuses on the Atlantic, with four scheduled Acts:
- Act 1 – Saint-Malo (June 10–15): Organized in partnership with Bretagne Plaisance, featuring demanding technical and coastal courses.
- Act 2 – Concarneau (June 24–29): In collaboration with Upwind by MerConcept, this event will serve as an RSE laboratory, implementing initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of offshore racing events.
- Act 3 – Rolex Fastnet Race (Starting July 26 from Cowes): A double-handed race, qualifying for the Transat Café l’Or.
- Act 4 – Transat Café l’Or Normandie Le Havre (Starting October 26): A transatlantic double-handed race from Le Havre to Fort-de-France.
Teams ready from the beginning of the season may also participate in other races, such as the Tour de Belle-Île (May 9–11) and the Armen Race (May 29 – June 1).
Strengthened Environmental Commitment
The Ocean Fifty class continues its efforts to minimize its ecological impact. After implementing a numerus clausus limiting the number of boats, two major projects are underway:
- Eco-Design Study: Funded by the class and four owners (Solidaires En Peloton, Wind Of Trust, Koesio, and Neo Sailing Technologies), this study aims to identify environmental impact sources from boat construction to end-of-life. Conducted by Think+ agency and supported by BPI France, it will result in a set of guidelines for all Ocean Fifty teams.
- RSE Laboratory at Act 2 in Concarneau: This event will serve as a platform for testing initiatives aimed at reducing offshore racing’s ecological footprint. Every aspect will be considered: race notices, event villages, transportation, signage, and activities. A final report will be produced and shared. Additionally, efforts will be made to promote women’s access to maritime and offshore racing careers through conferences, training presentations, and exchanges with skippers and teams.
List of Teams and Skippers for 2025
| Skipper | Team |
|---|---|
| Luke Berry | Le Rire Médecin – Lamotte |
| Laurent Bourguès | Mon Bonnet Rose |
| Baptiste Hulin | Viabilis Océans |
| Anne-Claire Le Berre | Upwind by MerConcept |
| Emmanuel Le Roch | Edenred |
| Erwan Le Roux | Koesio |
| Matthieu Perraut | Inter Invest |
| Christopher Pratt | Wind of Trust Fondation pour l’Enfance |
| Thibaut Vauchel-Camus | Solidaires En Peloton |
The Ocean Fifty Series 2025 promises a competitive and environmentally conscious season, with new skippers, evolving partnerships, and a reinforced sustainability strategy.
