Triumph at the finish line
After six grueling days and more than 2,000 nautical miles, the winners of La Course des Caps have finally crossed the finish line in Boulogne-sur-Mer. The inaugural edition of this challenging IMOCA Globe Series event delivered on its promise of fierce competition and unpredictable conditions. Leading the charge was MACIF Santé Prévoyance, skippered by Sam Goodchild, who took a commanding and well-earned win. They were followed closely by Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner in second place and Holcim – PRB in third.
The race was far from straightforward. Starting in calm conditions, the fleet initially struggled for pace. However, once clear of the English Channel, things changed quickly. Winds built, seas roughened, and fatigue set in. Each crew faced brutal weather, a tactical maze of obstacles, and constant pressure from their rivals. The final stretch, tacking between the English coast and the Calais DST, tested both stamina and seamanship.
Down the final stretch: high stakes and heavy seas in La Course des Caps
Winners of La Course des Caps: A new offshore benchmark
Goodchild’s MACIF Santé Prévoyance crew dominated the second half of the race. After briefly losing the lead off the Scilly Isles, they regained control by Fastnet Rock and never let go. The team navigated the northern extremes of the course—past the Orkney Islands—with precision, even as their closest challenger, VULNERABLE, came within eight miles. Disaster then struck Ruyant’s crew when their mast foot exploded in heavy seas. They were forced to retire, a harsh reminder of the race’s unforgiving nature.
With VULNERABLE out, MACIF’s focus turned to clean execution. They managed their lead carefully, choosing safety over speed in the narrow, obstacle-filled final stretch. Goodchild later said, “We didn’t take unnecessary risks. The boat was fast, the team worked well, and we kept our cool.” It paid off. The winners of La Course des Caps crossed the line at 15:10 (05 July 2025) French time with an average speed of 14.45 knots.
Second place went to Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner, skippered by Elodie Bonafous. This was Bonafous’ first offshore race in an IMOCA, making the podium finish all the more impressive. Despite a long night of close-quarters tacking with Holcim – PRB, her team held their ground. “I didn’t think a podium was possible,” she admitted. “But we pushed hard, and it’s an incredible result for our project.”
Third across the line, Holcim – PRB, battled not just their rivals but gear failure. A damaged bowsprit, sustained in 25 knots of wind, hampered their efforts in the closing hours. Yet they pressed on and secured their place on the podium. Skipper Nicolas Lunven praised his crew’s resilience, calling the race “demanding but deeply rewarding.”
Tension and drama to the end
As the winners of La Course des Caps celebrated, the rest of the fleet was still fighting their way to the finish. The earlier light airs gave way to tough reaching and complex transitions. The North Sea, especially along England’s east coast, served up short, steep chop and frustrating wind shifts. Sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion were common themes, with many sailors describing the race as the hardest they’ve faced in years.
The closing 100 miles provided a final sting. Wedged between the traffic separation zone off Calais and the UK shoreline, the IMOCA crews tacked repeatedly in an “infernal zigzag,” often less than a mile apart. For the front-runners, every sail change counted. For those chasing, it was an opportunity to pounce—but most gaps held.
Among the later finishers, Malizia – Seaexplorer, skippered by Will Harris (and with crew member Cole Brauer), enjoyed a hard-fought battle with Charal. Harris described the race as “a test of endurance and teamwork,” especially after their on-board reporter was injured in a fall and essential systems failed mid-race. Still, the team finished with a ten-mile lead over Charal, showing the depth of skill in the fleet.
A new classic is born
The winners of La Course des Caps have not only claimed silverware but helped establish this new event as a future offshore classic. The 2025 edition was marked by variety—weather, tactics, and pace changed constantly. There was no single winning formula. Instead, success came from preparation, adaptability, and grit.
The race also showcased the breadth of talent in the IMOCA class. From seasoned skippers like Goodchild and Lunven to emerging names like Bonafous, the event highlighted how mixed-crew offshore racing is evolving. Several teams have already voiced their desire to return in 2026.
For Goodchild, this win is another step forward in a rising career. Taking over MACIF Santé Prévoyance from Charlie Dalin was always going to carry weight. But this victory, especially one that looped around his native British Isles, confirms he is a top-tier skipper in his own right.
“The course was amazing—technical, scenic, and really demanding,” he said at the finish. “This kind of race makes you better. It forces you to dig deep.”
What’s next for the IMOCA fleet?
With La Course des Caps now behind them, many teams will turn their attention to the Transat Café L’Or and the Rolex Fastnet Race. Lessons from this race—about setup, trim, and crew dynamics—will be critical in the months ahead. And for the organisers, the success of this first edition lays a strong foundation.
In Boulogne-sur-Mer, the docks are buzzing. Fans gathered in large numbers to welcome the winners of La Course des Caps, proof that there’s growing public appetite for this style of high-performance sailing.
This wasn’t just a race. It was a statement. The IMOCA class continues to innovate, push boundaries, and inspire. The first La Course des Caps has lived up to the hype—and set the bar high for the next edition.
Follow the race live at https://www.lacoursedescaps.com/cartographie/
More coverage at https://www.boatingnz.co.nz/category/sport/sailing-sport/course-des-caps/
For more updates on La Course des Caps and the wider IMOCA fleet, stay tuned to Boating New Zealand, where we bring you the stories behind the sails.
