In 2025, the exhilarating Transatlantic Race, a pinnacle in offshore racing, is set to make a triumphant return. The New York Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club, in collaboration with the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Storm Trysail Club, proudly unveil the Transatlantic Race 2025. This epic journey will commence from Newport, R.I., on June 18, 2025, and culminate off the shores of Cowes, England.
Having last graced the seas in 2011, 2015, and 2019, the west-to-east Transatlantic Race’s revival coincides with the 100th anniversary of the RORC. This strategic timing aligns with the next edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race and the revival of the Admiral’s Cup, creating an exceptional confluence of maritime celebrations.
“For the past few years, we have been fielding regular calls regarding the next iteration of this race,” says Commodore Paul M. Zabetakis, M.D., of the New York Yacht Club. “Crossing the Atlantic is a bucket-list achievement for many offshore sailors. The time and effort required to prepare for and compete in the race, the unpredictability of the North Atlantic Ocean, the tactical challenge presented by the Gulf Stream and the historic connection to the origins of offshore racing distinguish this competition from all other distance races.”
The genesis of the Transatlantic Race dates back to October 1866 when three esteemed yachtsmen—Pierre Lorillard, George Osgood, and James Gordon Bennett—conceived the idea during a night at the Union Club in New York City. The inaugural race, from Sandy Hook, N.J., to the Needles off the Isle of Wight, saw Bennett’s Henrietta emerge victorious, setting a new standard for offshore adventure.
While the race schedule has seen sporadic variations over the years, the allure of racing from the United States to England remains undiminished.
In a nod to history, the 2025 edition of the race will conclude off the Isle of Wight in the Solent. However, a timing gate at the Lizard will preserve the Newport to Lizard Point record, monitored by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, currently held by George David’s Rambler 100 since the 2011 race.
“The Royal Ocean Racing Club is proud to continue to be part of the Organising Committee for the Transatlantic Race 2025, which continues our long relationships with the New York Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Storm Trysail Club,” says RORC CEO Jeremy Wilton. “2025 is a special year for the new RORC, which will be celebrating our centenary. Transatlantic Race boat owners, crew, family and friends will receive a warm welcome at our newly refurbished Cowes Clubhouse, which is undergoing major works to be completed in early 2024. The 2025 RORC Season will be nothing short of spectacular; a full season of racing including the special centenary celebration of the first Rolex Fastnet Race and the return of The Admiral’s Cup.”
The Notice of Race for the Transatlantic Race 2025 is available online, and registration is open. Early registrants, signing up by September 1, 2024, can avail themselves of a special discount. For entry information, click here.