Top teams ready for diverse RORC Transatlantic Race

With less than 50 days until the start gun, a quartet of cutting-edge offshore racers are preparing to battle across 3,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean in what promises to be one of the most technically diverse Royal Ocean Racing Club transatlantic fields in years.

- Reuters

Nineteen boats have entered the race from Marina Lanzarote to Antigua starting on Jan.11, but four stand out as serious contenders for overall honours: Yves Grosjean's Neo 430 NeoJivaro, James Neville's Carkeek 45 Ino Noir, Xavier & Alexandre Bellouard’s Lift 45 Maxitude, and Antoine Magre’s Manuard 50 Palanad 4.

The boats represent a fascinating mix of design philosophies and personal motivations.

Grosjean, finally making his debut after a skiing accident sidelined him from the 2025 edition, has focused obsessively on crew endurance. “Our preparation has revolved around the simple truth that human endurance is as important as boat speed across the Atlantic Ocean,” the Frenchman said.