The 32nd edition of the Transatlantic Race will chart a 3,000-mile course from Newport, Rhode Island to Cowes here on the Isle of Wight, celebrating over 150 years of racing tradition.
Organised by the New York Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club supported by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes as well as the Storm Trysail Club, the Transatlantic Race 2025 from the East Coast of the United States to the shores of the United Kingdom stands as one of sailing’s most time-honoured and demanding challenges. Taking the west-to-east route tests sailors with the unpredictability of the North Atlantic.
Origins of this contest trace back to the 19th century when the age of steam had not yet replaced sail. In 1866, the American owners of 3 yachts (Henrietta, Fleetwing and Vesta) made a now-legendary wager of $30,000 each and raced from New York to the Isle of Wight in the Great Ocean Race, with the winner taking the entire purse.
This daring mid-winter adventure – an extraordinary feat of ambition, technology and endurance – was won by Henrietta in an elapsed time of 13 days, 21 hours and 55 minutes. Henrietta was helmed by James Gordon Bennett Jr who was to become the Commodore of the New York Yacht Club in 1870. This was the first truly publicised transatlantic yacht race and arguably the moment ocean racing was born.
Continuing the tradition into the 20th century the Transatlantic Race was organised every few years. Yachts that have become legends in their own right have raced this route, from Windward Passage and Condor of Bermuda to more recent high-tech campaigns like ICAP Leopard, Rambler 100 and Comanche. Not just a contest of speed, the race has long drawn those seeking personal conquest. From seasoned offshore veterans to families sailing for legacy, experience and connection to the sea. This Transatlantic Race 2025 carries forward more than 150 years of heritage.
The race will start from Newport, Rhode Island, today (Wednesday) and finish off Cowes. Depending on weather conditions and other factors it will take between 1 and 3 weeks to complete for the first boat across the line.
It will be scored under IRC and the competitors will cover a distance of approximately 3,000 miles. This 2025 edition will be the 32nd Transatlantic sailing competition organised by the New York Yacht Club with the race being sponsored by Peters & May.
