RORC Transatlantic Race 2026 : A race of innovation, endurance and respect
The 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race delivered outstanding performances across a demanding and complex Atlantic course, with the RORC fleet showcasing innovation, preparation and seamanship at the highest level of offshore racing. From overall and class victories under IRC, to record-breaking multihull and monohull performances, the race highlighted the depth and quality of the corinthian and professional international fleet. At the same time, the event was marked by tragedy, serving as a powerful reminder of the inherent risks of ocean racing and the importance of safety, expertise and mutual support at sea. Against this backdrop, the achievements of the competitors stand as a testament to endurance, teamwork and respect for the ocean.
Innovation proven in a father-and-son overall victory
The Mach 50 Palanad 4 (FRA), owned by RORC Member Olivier Magre and skippered by his son Antoine Magre, also a RORC Member, was the overall winner of the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race on IRC corrected time.
“Winning the RORC Transatlantic Race with my son is a fantastic dream come true,” said owner Olivier Magre. “As a father, it is the greatest result I could imagine in sailing. I am incredibly proud of Antoine and what he has achieved. On the boat, Antoine is the boss,” Olivier added. “He makes the decisions and the crew follows him.”
“This race is a very strong first proof of concept for the Mach 50,” said skipper Antoine Magre. “We believed in the potential of the scow-bow design under IRC, but it had to be proven in real offshore conditions. Winning overall here really sets the bar. To do it with my father on board, with this team and this boat, is something I will never forget.”
Argo - Record-breaking pace in a two-boat MOD70 duel
Jason Carroll’s MOD70 Argo (USA) set a new Multihull Race Record for the Lanzarote to Antigua route of 4 Days, 23 Hrs, 51 Mins and 15 Secs. In a brutal duel with Erik Maris’ MOD70 Zoulou (FRA), often exceeding well over 30 knots of boat speed, Argo finished the race just two hours and 32 minutes ahead of Zoulou.
“We knew from the start it was going to be a close match race with Zoulou, and that’s exactly how it played out,” said skipper Chad Corning. “We got a small lead early and very slowly built it, but they were pushing hard the entire way, which kept the intensity sky-high from start to finish. Even after docking in Antigua, it took time to come down from that effort.
“After the start, we were quickly into the trades and it went to another level. We were doing 30 knots day after day, with long, dark nights that felt like skiing a black run blindfolded. Every mile was earned.
“This race was really won in the preparation. We spent months in the excellent facility at Marina Lanzarote doing a full refit; nothing was left to chance and that paid off when it mattered. Mid-race we had a serious rudder issue and fixing it in fading light quite literally saved our race.”
Raven - Monohull Line Honours with control at 30 knots
The 34-metre Baltic 111 Raven, skippered by Damien Durchon, took Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Transatlantic Race, winning the IMA Transatlantic Trophy, and setting a new Monohull Race Record from Lanzarote to Antigua of 6 Days 22 Hrs 27 Mins and 47 Secs. Raven is the first foil-assisted monohull of its size to complete a transatlantic race
“Raven is a very stable boat, and the interesting thing is that the better it performs, the safer it becomes,” said Damien Durchon. “We generate enormous righting moment from the side foils, supported by 10 tonnes of water ballast and strong hull-form stability. Unlike fully flying foilers, if a foil stalls the boat simply behaves like a conventional yacht, which in many ways makes her safer than most offshore boats.
At speed, the sensations are incredible. At 25 knots it already feels fast, but once you’re above 30 knots you’re moving quicker than the waves themselves. You’re no longer reacting to the sea, you’re working your way through it. It’s demanding sailing, but the boat remains remarkably manageable, which gives you real confidence offshore.”
Ino Noir - Consistency and grit deliver second overall
James Neville’s Carkeek 45 Ino Noir (GBR) finished the race in 9 days and 6 hours. On corrected time, Ino Noir secured second overall under IRC, continuing a strong sequence of performances following a podium finish in the previous edition.
“This was a brutally tough RORC Transatlantic Race from start to finish,” said James Neville, owner of Ino Noir. “It was windy the whole way across with a very hard sea state, and there was simply no let-up. We had a great battle with Palanad from the start, but they managed to stretch away and ultimately deserved the win. We pushed hard for most of the race, but a few days out we started to break equipment and had to rein it in. Even then, we were under pressure right to the end. Finishing second overall under IRC feels very satisfying after such an intense and competitive race.”
Jackknife - Standout corinthian victory in IRC Two
One of the most impressive results of the race belongs to Jackknife (GBR), the J/125 owned and skippered by Sam Hall, sailing with his father Andrew. Finishing after 11 days and 13 hours at sea, Jackknife secured third overall under IRC and victory in IRC Two. Racing with a corinthian crew on one of the oldest boats in the fleet, the 30-year-old J/125 proved that experience, preparation and consistency can still compete at the very highest level offshore. Jackknife’s performance stands as one of the defining stories of this edition of the race.
“Taking Jackknife across the Atlantic was firstly always about getting the boat there safely,” said Andrew Hall. “She’s one of the smallest and oldest boats in the race, and plenty of people thought we were mad to take her on. It’s tight down below and physically tough, but it was always Sam’s dream, and it was absolutely worth it.”
“Winning IRC Two and finishing third overall feels incredible,” added Sam Hall. “The team worked unbelievably hard. We hand-steered the entire way, day and night and the consistency of our performance made the difference. We knew it would be a race of endurance, especially in the second half, and it was about finding the balance between pushing the boat and looking after the crew. Racing this boat together as father and son just felt right. We know her inside out, and that trust really showed when it mattered.”
Kornog 2 wins IRC Double-Handed
In the Two-Handed division, the 86-foot ketch Adrien, sailed by Arthur Hubert and Christoph Bachmann, was the first double-handed yacht to finish; completing the crossing in 11 days and 5 hours. However, on corrected time, the Pogo 12.50 Kornog 2 (FRA), sailed by Gilles Colubi and Ivan Osselin secured victory in the class after completing the crossing in 13 days and 1 hour. Finnish entry Stimmy, the Sun Fast 3300 sailed double-handed by Vendee Globe finisher Ari Huusela and Atlantic debutant Annika Paasikivi, completed the double-handed podium in an elapsed time of 18 days 6 hours.
Linnea Aurora tops the superyacht division
The Hoek-designed 128ft Linnea Aurora, skippered by Phil Martinson, completed the race in an elapsed time of 11 days and 13 hours. On IRC corrected time, Linnea Aurora emerged as the best-placed superyacht, earning the Superyacht Trophy for the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race.
“Winning the Superyacht Division in the RORC Transatlantic Race is a fantastic achievement for Linnea Aurora and everyone on board,” said Magnus Woxen, Sailing Master. “For the Swedish owner and many of the crew, crossing the Atlantic was a long-held dream, and doing it as part of a competitive race made it even more special. Even though she is a heavy displacement yacht, we were very much racing the whole way, pushing the boat hard while keeping safety front and centre. Managing a 160-tonne yacht for 3,000 miles is a real challenge, but the teamwork, preparation and spirit on board were outstanding. Reaching Antigua as division winners is hugely satisfying.”
Maxitude wins the YCF Trophy
Maxitude, the Lift 45 owned and skippered by Xavier Bellouard (FRA), finished on 22 January after 10 days and 12 hours at sea. For Bellouard, the race marked the completion of a long-held personal ambition to cross the Atlantic in competition. Maxitude’s result was further rewarded with the Yacht Club de France Trophy for the best-placed Yacht Club de France member under IRC.
“Winning the Yacht Club de France Trophy in the RORC Transatlantic Race means a great deal to me,” said Xavier Bellouard, owner of Maxitude. “When you see the names engraved on that trophy, they are sailed by skippers I deeply admire, so to be associated with it is very special. This race has been a long-term goal for me and represents one of the greatest challenges in offshore sailing. It demands the right boat, the right crew and serious preparation, and it truly reflects the ethos of the Yacht Club de France in promoting offshore racing at the highest level. I’m extremely proud of the team and what we achieved together.”
2026 RORC Transatlantic Race dedicated to Walross 4
The 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race is dedicated to the crew of Walross 4 (GER). Following a tragic mid-Atlantic accident that resulted in the loss of a crew member, the Nissen 56 Walross 4 from ASV Sailing Club went on to complete their Atlantic crossing. The ASV and RORC continue to offer their full support and assistance to the team and wish to recognise the professionalism and dedication shown by the emergency services throughout this heart-breaking event. All the competitors in the race, along with Calero Marinas and the Antigua Yacht Club, have expressed their deep condolences to the crew member’s family and to the crew and families of Walross 4.
The 2027 RORC Transatlantic Race in association with the International Maxi Association and Yacht Club de France will start from Marina Lanzarote in the second week in January 2027. The race is a highlight of the global offshore racing calendar and part of the world’s largest offshore racing series; the RORC Season’s Points Championship. The RORC Transatlantic Race is supported by key stakeholders, including Calero Marinas and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
