The TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR Le Havre Normandie, formerly known as the Transat Jacques Vabre, is more than just a transatlantic race—it’s a celebration of maritime heritage, human adventure, and environmental commitment. Since its founding in 1993, the race has connected Le Havre, France’s leading coffee port, to Martinique, a Caribbean island historically linked to the coffee trade, retracing the old maritime coffee routes.
A Rich and Inspirational History
Le Havre, founded in 1517, is a historic port city in Normandy. Its post-World War II city center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. For over 30 years, Le Havre has served as the starting point for this legendary race, reinforcing the city’s deep connection to both the sea and coffee.
The 2025 Edition: A New Chapter
The 17th edition of the race, now renamed the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR Le Havre Normandie, will set sail on October 26, 2025. Around 200 sailors are expected to depart for Fort-de-France, Martinique. This edition places even greater emphasis on environmental and social responsibility.
One Race, Four Classes, Four Winners
The race features four boat classes: ULTIM, IMOCA, Ocean Fifty, and Class40. Each class follows its own unique course, ensuring synchronized arrivals in Martinique and balanced media coverage. Departures will be staggered every 15 minutes, creating a continuous spectacle for spectators.
A Dynamic Start Village
From October 17 to 26, 2025, the Paul Vatine Basin in Le Havre will host the Start Village. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), the village offers free activities for all ages: quizzes, sailing experiences, skipper meet-and-greets, and more. Themed days will spotlight topics like sustainable navigation and ocean preservation.
A Strong Environmental Commitment
The TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR Le Havre Normandie is known for its eco-responsible initiatives, including:
- Mandatory return by sail for competitors—no cargo ship returns
- Local press conferences to reduce unnecessary travel
- Limiting motorboat operations on departure day
- Collaboration with IFREMER to promote marine conservation and biodiversity
A Brand of Quality and Purpose
The race’s 2025 rebranding reflects the commitment of L’OR, part of the JDE Peet’s group, to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility. L’OR is France’s most beloved coffee brand, known for its work in fair trade, recycling, and varietal diversity in coffee production.
Conclusion
The TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR Le Havre Normandie 2025 promises to be an unforgettable edition—one that blends tradition with innovation. It embodies a spirit of adventure, respect for nature, and the historical ties between Le Havre and the coffee trade. A must-see event for lovers of sailing, history, and the sea.
Here are some authoritative and useful weblinks related to The Transat Café L’OR Le Havre Normandie:
Official Race & Organizer Links
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The Transat Official Website – The best source for race updates, history, and participant information.
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Le Havre Tourism – Sailing Events – Details on the city’s role as host and visitor information.
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IMOCA Class (for competing boats) – Covers the IMOCA 60 fleet participating in The Transat.
Historical & Media Coverage
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World Sailing – The Transat History – Background on the race’s evolution.
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Yachting World – Past Editions – Archives and past race reports.
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Café L’OR Brand Sponsorship – Official partner details (if available).
News & Updates
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Scuttlebutt Sailing News – Latest coverage on The Transat 2025.
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Sail World – Race Previews – Competitor insights and boat tech analysis.
