A Spectacular Finish in Gustavia
The Transat Paprec 2025 has finally reached its exhilarating conclusion in St. Barth’s, with the first boats crossing the finish line just a few hours ago. After 18 grueling days at sea, the mixed-gender double-handed teams made their way into Gustavia, greeted by the cheers of locals and visitors alike. The excitement in the air is palpable as the top crews celebrate their hard-earned victories.
The Winners Cross the Line
Taking the top spot was Skipper Macif, helmed by Charlotte Yven and Hugo Dhallenne, who claimed victory after holding a consistent lead in the final days. This marks a historic win for Charlotte, making her the first female sailor to win the Transat Paprec twice. In second place, Décrochons la lune, sailed by Romain Bouillard and Irina Gracheva, also crossed the finish with an impressive performance.
A Proud Moment for St. Barth’s: Cap St Barth Finishes Third
But the real story of the day—and the one that resonates most with the island—is the remarkable finish of Cap St Barth, the local team led by Cindy Brin and Thomas André. As the first native of St. Barth’s to compete in the Transat Paprec, Cindy Brin made history today by bringing home a podium finish. Arriving just 35 seconds ahead of the fourth-place team, Cap St Barth secured the third spot, much to the delight of the crowd gathered along the quay.
From their training sessions in the winter to the relentless Atlantic crossing, Cindy and Thomas have shown remarkable determination and spirit. Their achievement today is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the support from the island. Cindy’s role as a sailing instructor in St. Barth’s made her a familiar face, and seeing her succeed in such a prestigious race is a point of pride for the entire community.
What is the Transat Paprec?
The Transat Paprec is a legendary transatlantic sailing race that traces a demanding route from Concarneau, France, to the Caribbean paradise of St. Barth’s. The course covers approximately 3,900 nautical miles (7,200 km), pushing competitors to their limits in both endurance and strategy. Established in 1992, this race was originally known as the Transat AG2R and was a cornerstone event in the world of offshore sailing. In 2023, it was rebranded as Transat Paprec after the recycling and waste management giant took over as the title sponsor. One of the key evolutions with this change was the introduction of mixed-gender teams, making it the first major offshore race to require one man and one woman per boat. This commitment to gender diversity has brought new attention to the event and promoted opportunities for female sailors.
Why St. Barth’s Loves Sailing
St. Barth’s is not just a destination for beach lovers—it’s also a haven for sailing enthusiasts. The island regularly hosts prestigious sailing events, including Les Voiles de St. Barth, the St. Barth Cata Cup, and the renowned St. Barths Bucket. Each regatta brings its own flair, from classic yachts and catamarans to cutting-edge racing boats. The Transat Paprec’s arrival is a perfect fit for this maritime culture, blending competitive spirit with the island’s love for the sea.
The Local Connection: A Community United Seeing Cindy Brin and the Cap St Barth team finish in the top three isn’t just a sporting success—it’s a community victory. Cindy, a native of St. Barth’s and a passionate advocate for local youth sailing, has always been dedicated to fostering new talent on the island. That’s why her podium finish feels like a shared triumph. The atmosphere on the quay is electric, with locals celebrating not just the race but what it means to see one of their own shine on the international stage.
A Celebration of St. Barth’s Sailing Spirit As St. Barth’s continues to bask in the afterglow of the race, the story of Cindy Brin and the Cap St Barth team will undoubtedly be the talk of the island for days to come. The Transat Paprec has brought together the island’s deep-rooted sailing traditions with a new wave of talent and determination. The success of Cap St Barth is not just a personal victory for Cindy and Thomas but a triumph for the entire island. It shows that local passion, dedication, and a bit of St. Barth’s fighting spirit can lead to remarkable achievements, even on the international stage of ocean racing.
Why This Matters The Transat Paprec 2025 is more than just a race; it’s a symbol of perseverance, teamwork, and the spirit of exploration. For the locals of St. Barth’s, it’s also a moment to reflect on their island’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. As the celebrations continue, one thing is clear: St. Barth’s is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place where dreams are chased and legends are made.