2025 Transat Café L'or - Heading for an even more sustainable future
by Transat Café L'OR 12 Sep 02:04 NZST
Caravelle Peninsula as seen by the Pléiades satellite © CNES/Distribution Airbus DS, 2021
On Sunday October 26, more than 70 boats will set sail from the port of Le Havre starting the most legendary double-handed transatlantic race, bound for Martinique.
Leading up to the race, the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Le Havre Normandie will feature ten days of encounters, excitement, and celebrations in the start village. More committed than ever to innovation, the organisation intends to continue its leading role in the ecological transition of ocean racing by pushing the possibilities even further.
For this 17th edition, the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Le Havre Normandie was awarded the "The Sea in Common" label by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, the Sea, and Fisheries as part of the Year of the Sea. This award recognises projects that raise awareness of ocean conservation and biodiversity among a wide audience in 2025. Through new practices it implements on land and at sea, the organisation aims to promote a more respectful, sustainable way of crossing the ocean to help preserve the future of our planet.
Combining performance and commitment
In 2023 some crews still used cargo ships to return their boat to the European continent from Martinique. To eliminate this means of return transport, which pollutes the air and the climate, all skippers will now be required to return by sail (unless there is a major problem with their boat).
And because investing in the planet should not be seen as a constraint but as a positive outcome, a commitment prize (along with a financial award) will be presented to the most virtuous crew. It will recognise their involvement in the race and their innovative projects for the planet. This prize will be awarded by a jury composed of the two sponsors of the race, astronaut Claudie Haigneré and explorer Matthieu Tordeur; the management of the French Sailing Federation; and prominent sailing figures.
On October 26, spectators will be invited to follow the start from land, either in the city of Le Havre, notably over brunch on Nelson Mandela Square, or from the magnificent Normandy coast, where the spectacle promises to be spectacular, with four staggered starts between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
An ever more responsible race village
Whether around the Paul Vatine Basin in Le Havre or in the bay of Fort-de-France, the start and finish villages will come alive thanks to the many exhibitors present. All have signed a charter of commitments to make their practices even more environmentally friendly:
- Favour short supply chains for healthier, more local food.
- Mandatory sorting of biowaste to ensure its recovery.
- Use of returnable eco-cups and washable and reusable containers (Le Havre village).
For people who are less able the Le Havre village will offer an easier access to people with reduced mobility on Rue Aviateur Guérin, which will complement the system implemented in 2023, with the Daniel Colliard footbridge, for a better experience as close as possible to the boats.
A Sustainable Mobility Challenge will be launched at the opening of the departure village. Sponsored by explorer Matthieu Tordeur, this competition will offer those arriving by train, bus, bicycle, scooter, or any other low-carbon means a chance to win numerous prizes. The principle: scan the QR code on the race posters and complete a digital questionnaire, indicating the low-carbon mode of transportation used. A daily draw will select the winners.
Daily life with the ocean
In Le Havre, each day will be dedicated to a theme that will allow us to better understand our environment and take better action to protect it.
- Friday, October 17: "School of the Sea" for schoolchildren with the race's educational kit.
- Saturday, October 18: "Take to the Sea for Action" with the inauguration of the start village.
- Sunday, October 19: "The Sea in Every Direction" with numerous festive activities.
- Monday, October 20: "An Ocean of Resources" focused on responsible entrepreneurship and the regenerative economy.
- Tuesday, October 21: "Heading for Decarbonisation" to discuss current developments in the world of maritime transport and the return of sailing.
- Wednesday, October 22: "All "Are living!" to evoke the beauty and fragility of biodiversity, both on land and in the ocean.
- Thursday, October 23: "Breathe, eat, move" to discover new ways to eat and take care of your health.
- Friday, October 24: "Sailing for all" to make this sport more accessible to all ages and physical fitness levels.
- Saturday, October 25: "Explorers at heart" to highlight the close relationship between science and exploration.
- Sunday, October 26: Off we go!
In 2021, UNESCO recognised the entire land and marine territory of Martinique as a World Biosphere Reserve. This prestigious title commits the island to protecting and promoting its natural and cultural riches. In line with this dynamic, the village of Fort-de-France is once again hosting an Espace des Initiatives Positives (EIP) this year, bringing together many committed local actors. Conferences, round tables and workshops will enliven the 13 days of the village-arrivée. The aim here too is to exchange, share, pass on and highlight everything that is being done in the region, particularly with the younger generation. Nearly 60 programmes related to the race have been developed with the Martinique education authority.
Committed partners
And to continue making the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Le Havre Normandie an ever more eco-responsible and eco-designed event, strong partners are committed to supporting the organization for this 17th edition:
- The Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, the Sea, and Fisheries
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)
- UNESCO
- CNES (French National Center for Space Studies)
- ENSM (French National Maritime School)
Quotes
Eric Banel, Director General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) at the Ministry for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, the Sea and Fisheries: "The Ministry for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, the Sea and Fisheries is committed alongside the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Le Havre Normandie to combining sporting passion with environmental responsibility. This race demonstrates that it is possible to push the limits of performance while placing ocean protection, decarbonization and accessibility at the heart of the event."
Xavier Harlay, Director of the Channel - North Sea Center at Ifremer: "Ifremer is proud to be a partner of the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR and to contribute to making this human and a scientific adventure. Alongside the skippers, we will take the public on a journey of discovery of ocean sciences. Each mile covered will be an opportunity to remind everyone that the future of our planet is at stake at sea."
Marie-Claude Salome, Director of Communications, CNES: "Since its creation, CNES has placed major importance on educating and raising awareness among young people about space, engineering, and science. The ambition remains unchanged: to spark young people's interest in space and encourage them to pursue scientific careers by introducing them to the challenges and applications of this sector. The partnership between CNES and the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR fuels this ambition. In a sector that relies on satellite technology but in which space is not necessarily expected, CNES invites everyone to take a step back and better understand this need for space to serve society as a whole."