French Flyers Lead the Charge as Qualifier 2 Roars into Action

2025 Offshore Double Handed World Championships Qualification Race 2: Start Highlights 25 September 2025 - The second qualification race of the 2025 Offshore Double Handed World Championships got underway in Cowes, Isle of Wight in a northeasterly 10 knot gradient wind, with clear skies. The 140nm race is expected to come to a climax on Friday 26 September. After the start, the international fleet raced on a short sharp beat to the East Bramble mark. First to round was Théa Khelif/Thomas Andre (FRA), followed by Megan Thomson/Oakley Marsh (NZL 2) then Onur Tok/Hamide Sevda Ersezer (TUR). The front runners double-headed to the spreader mark, Paul Heys before hoisting spinnakers. Heading into the Western Solent, FRA 1 showed good speed on the VMG run, extending their lead. Both NZL 2 and TUR chose to follow the mainland shore with the Kiwis notably sailing goose-winged to hold their lane. Alec Coleman/Savannah Taylor (USA), Liz Wardley/Lincoln Dews (AUS 2) and Alec Coleman/Savannah Taylor (CAN) chose the island shore in the Western Solent and looked to make gains. First to round the Needles Fairway Buoy was FRA 1,closely followed by NZL 2 and AUS 2. Only the top five finishers from this qualifier will earn a direct place in the World Championship Final, making every move critical. The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), in collaboration with Cap-Regatta and supported by LGL and Jeanneau, is proud to host the 2025 Offshore Double Handed World Championships from 22nd September to 1st October from Cowes, Isle of Wight. #ODHWC2025 #RORCRacing #DoubleHanded