A course like no other
The Groupama Race has been held semi-biennially since 2008 and is famed for its unique mix of offshore and coastal challenges. The course threads its way past the UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon system surrounding New Caledonia. Crews navigate past coral reefs, islets, and through the Grand Passage at the island’s northern tip — a stretch known for strong currents and difficult sea states.
This is not just a passage race — it’s an offshore tactical test. Competitors face an ever-changing matrix of choices: hug the reef line to dodge the worst of the swell, or head offshore for better breeze. When the southeast trades fill in, it becomes a dream circuit — 300nm of downwind surfing along the east coast, followed by 300nm of tough, upwind slugging on the western leg. That’s the best-case scenario, but in reality, conditions vary. In this year’s edition, crews began in light rain and moderate breeze, with patchy weather predicted over the coming days.
Kiwis on the water
Two New Zealand-flagged entries are representing Aotearoa in 2025: V5 Racing and Motorboat II. Both boats bring plenty of pedigree.
A standout in this year’s fleet, V5 is an Alan Andrews-designed TP52 — fast, slippery, and optimised for offshore performance. Skippered by Brian Petersen and representing both RAYC and RNZYS, V5 has attracted attention dockside in the lead-up to the start. The team has been hosting school groups and sailing fans onboard in the days leading up to the race — a floating showcase of Kiwi ocean racing prowess.
Joining them is Motorboat II, a 10.5-metre Elliott skippered by Alan Quere out of Auckland. Racing double-handed under the Royal Akarana Yacht Club banner, the crew is up against several other short-handed entries, and the challenge of keeping up with fully crewed multihulls and larger monohulls.
Both boats have faced light air early on, but conditions are forecast to improve — with winds peaking at 23km/h mid-race before easing off again as the finish approaches. It’s shaping up to be a race that rewards careful navigation and constant sail trim.
Local and international flavour
The race continues to attract a diverse field of monohulls and multihulls from across the Pacific. Most of the 2025 fleet hails from the host country, with strong representation from the CNC (Cercle Nautique Calédonien). Entries range from classic Beneteau cruisers and nimble Sydney 38s to modified Rocket 31s and performance cruisers like the Archambault A35.
Australian trimaran Rushour — a past line honours winner in 2018 and again in 2022 — is back and will be a boat to watch in the multihull division. Likewise, the French-Australian boat Roamance, a 14m Chamberlin multihull, adds more offshore pedigree to the line-up.
From Nouméa’s race village, the blend of French sophistication and Melanesian culture gives the event a distinctly local flavour. Crews are welcomed home on stage, and nightly entertainment keeps the village atmosphere buzzing. Online, thousands follow the race through media updates, GPS trackers, and a thriving virtual regatta that draws more than 20,000 participants worldwide.
A return after unrest
This year’s race marks a significant return after back-to-back postponement in 2024 due to political unrest in New Caledonia. The event’s reappearance is a welcome signal of stability and offers a much-needed economic and social boost to local communities and marine industries.
It also gives organisers a chance to showcase what has always set the Groupama Race apart — a serious offshore event in an idyllic South Pacific setting. Tactically difficult, physically demanding, and visually unforgettable, the Groupama Race is more than a regatta — it’s an adventure.
Past champions
The race has drawn some legendary winners over the years. Scallywag set a blistering monohull record in 2016 (2 days, 13 hours), while Vodafone won that year’s multihull division in just over two days. Kiwi boat Miss Scarlett took line honours in 2018. In 2022, Antipodes and Rushour claimed monohull and multihull line honours respectively, with Eye Candy topping the monohull handicap.
Could 2025 see another Kiwi name on the trophy?
Follow the race
With the fleet now several hours into the race, live tracking is available on the official Groupama Race site. Expect position changes as the boats make their tactical decisions heading up the east coast. Wind conditions remain variable, and there’s every chance for the unexpected — as is tradition in this race.
Rain, reef, strategy and speed — the New Caledonia Groupama Race is back.
More information
Follow V5 Racing on Facebook: V5 Racing
Race updates: www.groupamarace.nc
Drama at sea as V5 charges ahead and MotorBoat II retires | Race update: New Caledonia Groupama Race 2025
Racing, rescues and rivalries: New Caledonia Groupama race heats up
Racing, rescues and rivalries: New Caledonia Groupama race heats up
