On Sunday October 26, 2025, the most emblematic double-handed transatlantic cruise will set sail under a new name: the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Le Havre Normandie. This change, marking a turning point in the history of this legendary race, nevertheless maintains the essence of the event: 4 classes, 4 courses, 4 winning pairs. With the support of the famous L'OR brand, the event is gaining visibility and intends to share unique moments with an ever-widening audience.
An iconic brand dedicated to racing
L'OR, the French's favorite brand(1) and flagship of the JDE Peet's group, succeeds Jacques Vabre as main partner. This choice strengthens the historical links between JDE Peet's and the city of Le Havre, the main French port for the coffee trade. It illustrates a common desire to perpetuate the investment of the founding members of the race, while consolidating its influence.
Edouard Philippe, mayor of Le Havre and president of the Le Havre Seine metropolis, underlines: “Since 1517, Le Havre has been a major port and nautical city, and the main French port for the coffee trade. This is why we were the first to embark on this adventure in 1993. More than 30 years later, if the name changes, the ambition remains: to celebrate an essential part of Le Havre's identity – sailing and coffee. – through a popular and festive event. See you in 2025 for the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR! »
With its promise of escape and awakening of the senses, the L'OR brand shares values in perfect harmony with those of racing.
– Responsibility: Through the JDE Peet's Common Grounds program, L'OR guarantees coffee from responsible sources, in accordance with the principles established by the Global Coffee Platform association.
– Promoting biodiversity: Partner of the “World Coffee Research” association, OR supports research intended to promote a greater diversity of coffee varieties and enrich the world coffee heritage.
– Reduction of the environmental footprint: By committing to the recycling of aluminum capsules, L'OR now allows 70% of French people to sort them directly in the yellow bin.
An event faithful to its fundamentals
Despite its name change, the race retains its DNA. Departing from Le Havre, it will follow the historic coffee routes to exceptional destinations. The race village will open its doors on October 17, 2025 in Le Havre, with renewed colors but with the festive and committed spirit that characterizes this event. Thematic days such as Tous Vivants, Sailing differently, or Science and Ocean will enrich the program.
On the day of the big departure, October 26, the skippers will leave the Paul Vatine basin to set off on a demanding course across the Atlantic. Their final destination, the bay of Fort-de-France in Martinique, will immerse them in the heart of the exceptional terroirs of arabica typica, cultivated under the benevolent shadow of Mount Pelée.
Vincent Prolongeau, president of JDE Peet's in France, says: “After celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Transat Jacques Vabre, the 2025 edition promises to reveal new flavors! We are relying on the French's favorite brand to continue writing the history of this legendary transatlantic race, while respecting its fundamentals: a double race retracing the routes of coffee, inclusive and respectful of the environment. The GOLD, with its influence, will give a new dimension to this emblematic event. »
An increased eco-responsible ambition
Faced with climate challenges, the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Le Havre Normandie is strengthening its ambition to be an exemplary race. Raising awareness about the preservation of living things, promoting inclusion and social bonds will be at the heart of the 2025 edition. New initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint will be unveiled next October.
Come to Le Havre to encourage the skippers and celebrate this flagship event of the nautical calendar, which continues to combine audacity, authenticity and respect for the planet.
