The Transat Jacques Vabre: A 21st Century Transatlantic Yacht Race

The TJV's inaugural race set sail in 1993 from Le Havre, France, destined for Cartagena, Colombia, commencing as a solo event. While the race consistently departs from Le Havre, its end varies, terminating in ports in Latin America such as Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, or Fort-de-France, La Martinique. 

1995 marked a significant shift when the race adopted a doublehanded format. The specificity of double-handed racing is that there is no time to rest, as is the case in single-handed races, when one sleeps, the other continues to helm. This decision amplified the challenge, testing both the vessel and the skippers biennially. A unique feature of the TJV is its separate categories for multihulls and monohulls. This diversity was further enriched in 2007 with the introduction of the Class 40s, which, along with the IMOCA fleet, saw a record-breaking participation of 60 boats. 

2015 was a pivotal year, welcoming the Ultims fleet and witnessing the debut of a foiling IMOCA. By 2021, the excitement escalated with the return of the Ultims, following a hiatus in 2019. The journey to La Martinique is as impressive visually as it is in terms of competition.

While there are four distinct classes in the race, each has its specific route, even though they share the same starting and finishing points. This diversity in routing heightens the suspense of a closely contested finish.

As we approach the 2023 edition, marking the 30th anniversary of the TJV, the anticipation is palpable. With 190 sailors expected to participate and the finish line set at Fort de France, Martinique, it promises to be an enthralling chapter in the race's storied history.

The TJV is traditionally a fiercely contested race. It has gained notoriety for the stormy conditions it often presents, creating gruelling challenges for its participants. Serving as a significant testing ground, the TJV demands both the utmost skill from its sailors and the pinnacle of performance from their vessels. As a result, with the advancement in technology and design, sailboats have become more powerful and faster, leading to new records being set in almost every edition. 

An intriguing characteristic of this race is its culmination in a country renowned for its coffee exports. This association has earned it the moniker "Route du Cafe". The race pays homage to the historic coffee trading routes between the Caribbean and Europe, often concluding in countries with a rich coffee-exporting legacy, such as Brazil, or indeed as in the 2023 version, Martinique. The race’s name stems from its long-time sponsor, Jacques Vabres, itself a coffee brand.

No fewer than ten Helly Hansen ambassadors are participating in this grand spectacle. The ambassadors' involvement is a testimony to our commitment to supporting the sailing community and furthering the advancement of the sport. They will put their seamanship to the test, enduring treacherous conditions to showcase their exceptional skill while testing the reliable gear that Helly Hansen is known for.

We're proud to announce that a key group of Helly Hansen Ambassadors have confirmed their participation, including:

On October 29, 2023, over 90 boats will set sail from Le Havre, in Normandy, France, heading towards the finish line in Martinique. Among the team participants, there are ten Helly Hansen ambassadors, showcasing their trust in our sailing gear.

Over the next month, we anticipate the arrival of the fleets for the Transat Jacques Vabre to Le Havre. This biennial event is not just a race; it's a testament to sailors' resilience, a cradle for innovations, and a spectacle to behold for every marine sports enthusiast out there.

Le Havre, situated on the northern coast of France along the English Channel, is a vibrant port city known for its maritime heritage and modernist architecture. Founded in the 16th century, the city has weathered wars and natural calamities but always emerged resilient. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, Le Havre is not just a gateway to the sea, but also a testament to post-war urban planning and a symbol of rebirth, epitomized by its innovative buildings designed by the architect Auguste Perret.

Stay tuned as we follow the 2023 event. The festivities kick off in Le Havre ten days before the departure of the yachts on October 29th. Don't miss out on one of the sailing calendar's most anticipated events.

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Since the race traverses such a drastic range of weather conditions, a versatile range of gear is required. The first part of the race, departing from France in the fall, is quite cold and windy. Yet as competitors get closer to the Caribbean, the heat is truly on – in more ways than one. Here’s some of our ambassadors’ favorite picks: